High Middle Ages

Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia who was born in Saragossa, Spain in around 1240, was a mystic and visionary who believed that he was destined to be a prophet.

Dec 8, 2009 - Brenda Ralph Lewis

A medieval castle was essentially a masculine environment. Women were present, but only in small numbers and usually comprised the lady and her attendants and servants.

Dec 3, 2009 - Brenda Ralph Lewis

The modern image of Santa Claus is a hybrid of old Germanic pagan beliefs and the Medieval Cult of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor.

Dec 2, 2009 - Michael Streich

In medieval times, correct procedures were important in virtually every aspect of a meal. There were strict rules for serving and eating food and for drinking.

Dec 1, 2009 - Brenda Ralph Lewis

Eating and drinking in the Great Hall of a medieval castle did much more than provide sustenance and entertaining guests was much more than run-of-the-mill hospitality.

Dec 1, 2009 - Brenda Ralph Lewis

The medieval castle was essentially a communal environment and the Great Hall was the hub of its activity. Here the household ate, worked, socialized, and slept.

Nov 30, 2009 - Brenda Ralph Lewis

Gothic cathedrals were first and foremost houses of worship, yet they served as a spiritual guidebook for the illiterate masses as well as a commercial hub for cities.

Oct 1, 2009 - Michael Streich

The early years of Henry's reign were transitional, the latter years turbulent and the final years tranquil.

Sep 28, 2009 - John Izzard

In the Commedia, the character of Manfred has served Dante well as a protagonist to denounce papal expansionism and assert the supremacy of grace over clerical censure.

Sep 24, 2009 - Admassu Kebede

In 1264 England was governed by Simon de Montfort. King Henry III was his prisoner but Prince Edward escaped and sought to raise a new royal army.

Sep 17, 2009 - John Izzard

How the saintly life of Marie D'Oignies, with the help of her champion, Jacques de Vitry, ensures the survival of the Beguines.

Sep 11, 2009 - Sylvie Nantais

The failure of Henry III, King of England, to properly address the grievances of his nobles led first to dissent and then to war.

Sep 8, 2009 - John Izzard

A concise overview of the civil wars that continued to plague England in the 13th century following the death of Simon de Montfort at the Battle of Evesham.

Aug 23, 2009 - David Pilling

Marie de France is the writer of a collection of twelve lais, a collection of 103 Aesopic fables and a translation of the poem "St. Patrick's Purgatory."

Jul 27, 2009 - Elyse Levesque

Simon de Montfort fought to limit a King's misuse of power and reform the government of England; he almost succeeded.

Jul 14, 2009 - John Izzard

The Magna Carta was originally intended as a peace treaty between the king and his barons, but it became the cornerstone of liberty in the English-speaking world.

Jun 12, 2009 - Carolyn M Cash

The British Parliament's origins began with the Provisions of Oxford when the barons took control of the government, key appointments and reform of common law.

Jun 10, 2009 - Carolyn M Cash

Rejecting the wealth and temporal activities of the Catholic Church, the Cathar movement adopted beliefs that denied core Catholic teaching, hence enduring persecution.

May 12, 2009 - Michael Streich

In 1277, The English King Edward I "Longshanks" began his military campaign against the Princes of Wales. He changed the landscape--and was introduced to the longbow.

Apr 19, 2009 - Nate Breidenbaugh

By the 11th Century, Europeans began to charter towns and cities, necessitating a legal system that differed radically from the feudal and post-barbarian legal codes.

Mar 18, 2009 - Michael Streich

Purgatory directly impacted the lives of everyday people in medieval Europe, providing a rationalization for cosmology as well as grace through the sacraments.

Mar 10, 2009 - Michael Streich

Throughout history, people in power have created certain institutions that fulfill their immediate needs.

Feb 11, 2009 - Andrew Meeres

King Louis IX, leader of France, led two unsuccessful crusades against the Muslims in the Holy land, but was renowned for his kindness and fair dealings with his people.

Jan 8, 2009 - Deanna Proach

The story of Abelard and Heloise is a tragic love affair out of early 12th-century France, and one of the best-known records of romantic love in the Middle Ages.

Dec 18, 2008 - Robert Marcell

The purpose of the castle was highly symbolic in medieval society as it served not just as a home but also as a projection of power.

Nov 22, 2008 - Alistair Murphy