The Medieval Podcast

Across the world, there’s no shortage of contested sites where local identities, national identities, and international politics clash, often with high stakes for the people who live there. One of these places is the storied capital of Latvia: Riga. This week, Danièle speaks with Kevin O’Connor about medieval Riga, its tumultuous place as a trading post between West and East – as well as war between bishops and crusaders – and how its medieval history plays out in today’s politics.You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/medievalists

New and high-tech solutions for a sustainable future are being proposed on the daily, but what if some of the best ideas actually reside in the past? This week, Danièle speaks with Annette Kehnel about the way medieval communities shared, recycled, and even upcycled.You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many - including this week's guest, Dan Jones - have called England’s greatest warrior king.Check out online courses in medieval studies at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/

Richard II came to the throne as a young child, only to lose it to his cousin Henry IV in 1399. But why did Henry take such drastic action? And what became of the teenage boy who stood up to a crowd of angry peasants and held his own? This week, Danièle speaks with Helen Castor about these rival cousins, the events that shaped them, and how an anointed king could lose his hollow crown.You can listen to this episode ad-free at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

What’s so great about Charlemagne? We’re about to find out. This week, Danièle speaks with Cullen Chandler about the reign of Charlemagne, how he ruled such a massive empire, and how he still took the time to care about font.You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Discover the latest must-reads in medieval history, from stunning illustrated manuscripts to fascinating essays on pharmacological knowledge. Explore the artistic brilliance of the Kennecott Bible and 'The Book of Marvels,' celebrating medieval culture. Learn about King John's governance through intricate administrative records and delve into lesser-known battles of the Byzantine era. This rich mix of literature highlights the beauty and complexity of the Middle Ages, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

In the Middle Ages, falconry was one of the most popular pastimes across the known world. More than just a pleasant diversion in the countryside, it was a way to show status, education, sophistication, and leadership. This week, Danièle speaks with Yannis Hadjinicolaou about why falconry was so widely beloved, and such a popular metaphor for both love and power.You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

In the eleventh-century, Iberia was in the process of evolving networks of tiny villages into the powerful kingdoms we recognize from the end of the medieval period – sometimes by any means necessary. This week, Danièle speaks with Simon Doubleday about the ways in which Queen Sancha and King Fernando I shaped northern Spain and Portugal.Danièle's online course - Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century - begins on September 6th. Sign up at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

When someone evokes the medieval – in conversation or in media – they’re looking for you to feel something. So, the question becomes what are they trying to get you to feel? And how are they accomplishing it? This week, Danièle speaks with Usha Vishnuvajjala about some of the surprising places the medieval world pops up in the modern world, and how it’s perfectly okay to love medieval fiction.Sign up for Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

In this engaging discussion, Anthony Bale, a Professor of medieval studies and author, shares his insights on how medieval people traveled for various reasons. He unveils fascinating stories of mishaps on the road, delves into the experiences of travelers like Afanasi Nikitin, who embraced foreign cultures, and explores the impact of medieval writings on our understanding of travel today. Bale also connects these historical journeys to modern perceptions, shedding light on the enduring allure and challenges of exploration.