Gone Medieval

Explore medieval Christmas traditions including the Yule log, chalking doors, Mallard Night at All Souls College, and the impact of calamity on historical traditions. Discover the violent origins of medieval football and the evolution of the game. Dive into the traditions of the yule log, mumming, festival plays, and the allure of experiencing a medieval Christmas.

In the ninth century, the Vikings earned a fearsome reputation by wreaking chaos on the coasts of western Europe. But what is perhaps less well known is that they also travelled eastwards. By sailing along the great rivers of north-eastern Europe, they reached Constantinople, the Caspian Sea and even Baghdad, the bustling heart of the mighty Islamic Abbasid Empire. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis welcomes Dr. Cat Jarman back to the podcast to explore why Viking raiders traded the frozen hinterlands of Northern Europe for the heat and hubbub of the Near East. Senior Producer: Elena GuthrieAssistant Producer: Peta StamperScriptwriter: Peta StamperEditor: Joseph KnightThis was a special collaboration between Ubisoft and History Hit. The content and story was inspired by Assassin's Creed Mirage. To learn more about 9th century Baghdad and the historical characters in the game, listen to Echoes of History here.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In many parts of Europe, before Christmas comes, you have first to celebrate one of the medieval period's favourite saints - Saint Nicholas of Myra. It's his legend and celebration that eventually transformed into our own Santa Claus. St Nicolas’s commemoration was a great excuse for medieval people to let down their hair and celebrate while still in the much more sombre and reflective period of Advent.In this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by experiential archaeologist Caroline Nickolay. They discuss how St. Nicholas’ life has been embellished and commemorated from the late antique period until today and how a relatively unremarkable bishop managed to give birth to the party event of the festive season.This episode was edited by Joseph Knight and produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the intense siege and fall of Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Discover the motivations of Sultan Mehmed II, the defensive mechanisms of Constantinople, and the challenges faced by the Byzantine defenders. Delve into Ottoman tactics, internal dissent, and their desire for Westward expansion. Witness the profound impact of the fall of Constantinople on the Ottoman Empire, solidifying their dominance as a major power.

Bettany Hughes joins Dr Eleanor Janega to explore the rise, rule, and ruin of Constantinople. They discuss Emperor Constantine's ambition, the transition to a Christianized world, the accomplishments of Justinian and Theodora, the devastating impact of the 1204 crusade, and remnants of the medieval city in Istanbul.

The popular BBC television series Villages by the Sea explores coastal life through the centuries. Its presenter Ben Robinson is an archaeologist with the fantastic job of exploring lost villages and uncovering their secrets, including those that give an insight into medieval life on the coasts of Britain. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis is joined by Ben to talk about some of the series’ - and Britain’s - medieval highlights.This episode was produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leprosy in the Middle AgesMedieval people were very concerned about how to deal with those in their midst who had leprosy, now called Hansen's disease. It's assumed today that sufferers were shunned from society, forced onto the margins, and generally hated.But in this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega finds out from Professor Carole Rawcliffe about what was it really like to live with leprosy, both as a sufferer or as a member of the communities that needed to care for them.This episode was edited by Joseph Knight and produced by Rob Weinberg.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code MEDIEVAL - sign up here.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New evidence challenges the belief that the Princes in the Tower were murdered by Richard III. The podcast explores archival discoveries suggesting the survival of Edward V. The destruction of records and concealment of the princes by Henry VII's government is discussed. A receipt related to Edward V in the Lambert Simnel Affair supports the theory of his survival. The discovery of Richard Duke of York's witness statement sheds new light on historical events. The process of document authentication and Maximilian's support for Richard Duke of York are explored.

Explore the historical richness of Myanmar and its diverse kingdoms, emphasizing the significance of geography and trade. Discover the kinkiest and quirkiest stories from medieval history. Uncover the influences of Buddhism and Islam in Myanmar, including Burmese craftsmanship. Learn about the importance of port cities in the Silk Road and the interconnectedness of Myanmar, China, and Europe. Conclude with gratitude for engaging with history and anticipation for more medieval content.

Explore the rise and fall of the Boleyn family, their involvement in the textile industry, social mobility after the Black Death, marriage strategies for social status, and the fascination of the medieval Boleyns.