The Medieval Podcast

Meredith Small discusses Fra Mauro's accurate map-making attempt with monks, showcasing medieval views of the world, economics, and myths. The podcast examines the significance of maps in human evolution, political influences on map-making, and the unique features of the medieval map Mundo.

Charity Urbanski discusses monsters in the Middle Ages, their portrayal in art and literature, the perception of monstrous races, and the depiction of noblewomen as monsters. The conversation also explores historical romance storytelling, social mobility in China and the US, and various medieval topics and events.

Some of the most important and influential figures of the Middle Ages were the big city bishops who ministered to rich and poor alike. But how did they tend to such a large and diverse flock? This week, Danièle speaks with Lesley Smith about William of Auvergne, the thirteenth-century upstart bishop of Paris who shaped a royal saint, changed the university forever, and gently guided the lives of ordinary Parisians with wit and compassion.You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

In a time and place with a serious lack of pockets and built-in shelving, how and where did people carry and store their everyday stuff? This week, Danièle takes a look at carrying, packing, and moving in the Middle Ages.You can support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

She’s one of the most well-known figures in history: married to two kings, mother to three, and a powerful duchess in her own right. This week, Danièle speaks with Karen Sullivan about the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine, her famous - and infamous - relationships, and what makes her such a fascinating subject for historians and fiction writers alike.Karen Sullivan's book, Eleanor of Aquitaine, as It Was Said: Truth and Tales about the Medieval Queen, is published by University of Chicago Press.You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Expert Joanna MacGugan discusses justice under English rule in medieval Ireland, exploring the legal system, community influence on justice, significance of capital punishment, importance of oral traditions, and societal attitudes towards executions. The podcast delves into the complexities of English colonization, evolution of laws in Ireland, and the role of coroners in investigating deaths. It also touches on social memory, reputation, ethnicity, and the construction of history in medieval Irish society.

This week, Danièle explores the big medieval news stories of 2023 in conversation with Peter Koniezcny, editor of Medievalists.net.You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

In the Middle Ages, December meant a celebration of jolly old St. Nicholas along with a host of other sainted figures and important moments in the Christian story. This week, Danièle presents a quick guide to medieval holiday saints and feasts.You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Scholars of trans and genderqueer scholarship in medieval studies, Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt, discuss the meaning of terms like 'trans' and 'cis,' explore transgender and gender identity in relation to medieval thought, analyze gender representation in medieval literary texts, examine the story of a transgender saint facing transphobic structures, and delve into the complexities of gender assignment in saints' narratives.

Peter Konieczny, editor and co-founder of Medievalists.net, joins Danièle to discuss their favorite books of 2023. Topics include the reinterpretation of the Mediterranean economy, perspectives of lower-class individuals in the Song Dynasty, women in the Crusades, meteorological disasters in medieval Britain, and more.