Read the stories about St Martin of Tours, one of the most popular saints in medieval and modern Europe
During his lifetime, St Martin was called upon as a venerable ascetic and bishop. Later, in the 6th century, he was turned into a local saint of Tours. Notwithstanding the primary identification of St Martin as a monk and not a soldier, he was soon recruited as a missionary and heroic saint, with whom warriors and soldiers might readily identify. As such he moved effortlessly through the missionary landscapes at the fringes of Europe – at first Gothic Italy and Frankish Gaul, later Anglo-Saxon England, Scandinavia and further into the Baltic Sea. Finally, in 10th century, St Martin was officially hailed as the prototype of the Christian knight. At the same time, however, he was deftly turned into a popular saint and protector of the poor. It is as such we know of him today.
News
Norwegian Stave Churches older than expected
04/11/2019Norway is known for its 28 magnificent stave churches from the 12th – 13th century. New technique provides new and earlier dating of these precious medieval monuments Read more
Gardens in Early Medieval Iberia ca. 750–1000
12/10/2019In 1974 the historian Andrew Watson published an influential article in which he coined the phrase: The Arab Agricultural Revolution. How has this thesis fared? What do we know today about gardening in Early Medieval Iberia?
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The Great Viking Hall in Lejre was Fenced-in by a Palisade with an Impressive Gate
09/10/2019The great halls at Lejre – by myth linked to the royal dynasty of the Scyldingas , Skjöldungar – continues to amaze. Holding the largest hall ever excavated, the complex was fenced-in by an impressive palisade. Recently the gate was discovered. Read more
Early Medieval Settlements at Hegranes in Northern Iceland
03/10/2019Detailed history of the 9th-11th century settlements at Hegranes explores the ecological and social history of Early Iceland
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Legendary Viking Hall Reconstructed at Lejre
12/09/2019In 2009 the remains of the largest Viking Hall in Denmark was excavated at Lejre. Dated to the 8th century, it is currently being reconstructed at Land of Legends Read more
New Viking Ship at Gjellestad is Being Excavated
29/08/2019For the first time in more than a hundred years, archaeologists are uncovering what is definitely a buried Viking ship. Read more
Nyborg Castle in Grave Danger
24/07/2019An intrusive new construction threatens to completely dominate the preserved wing of Nyborg Castle, home to the first Danish Parliament. Should we let architects loose on this precious medieval heritage, ask opponents? Read more
Newly found Viking Boat Graves in Uppsala
15/07/2019Two rare Viking boat burials are currently being excavated in Uppsala, the old political and religious centre in Sweden from c. 550 – 1000 Read more
New Books
The Chivalric Turn
09/11/2019The Chivalric Turn explores the shift at the end of the 12thcentury when the pursuit of knightly excellence and social eminence gave rise to a new code of conduct: chivalry Read more
Companion to Chivalry
09/11/2019Unpacking chivalry is necessary for anyone trying to grasp the history of Europe 1000 – 1500. And to come to grips with many ways in which the Middle Ages return in the 21st century. New handbook offfer a solid introduction A Companion to Chivalry Edited by Robert W. Jones, Peter… Read more
Abbeys and other Religious Institutions in Schleswig-Holstein
09/11/2019The Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein hold a long and fascinating story. Following the mission of Ansgar, hamburg spearheaded the christianisation of Scandinavia, thus making room for a multitude of religious institutions – abbeys, monasteries, convents and friaries Read more
Medieval Londoners
05/11/2019Medieval Londoners is a generous gift. Not only to Caroline Barron, long-time emeritus professor of Medieval History at the occasion of her 80th birthday. But also to her numerous students teaching the history of London to new generations. In this spirit the book is offered as open-source. Medieval Londoners. Essays… Read more
New Research
Gardens in Early Medieval Iberia ca. 750–1000
12/10/2019In 1974 the historian Andrew Watson published an influential article in which he coined the phrase: The Arab Agricultural Revolution. How has this thesis fared? What do we know today about gardening in Early Medieval Iberia?
Read more
The Ilopango Volcano in El Salavador was responsible for the events in AD 539-40.
18/09/2019The climatic disruption in the 6thcentury was forced by a series of massive volcanic eruptions. Recently the Ilopango volcano was identified as responsible for the events AD 539-40. NEW RESEARCH: Radiocarbon and geologic evidence reveal Ilopango volcano as source of the colossal ‘mystery’ eruption of 539/40 CE Robert A.Dull, John… Read more
Tight Tunics and Ridiculous Hoods – Fashion in 1340
14/07/2019Suddenly, in the 1340s young Italian men began to wear cropped tunics, drooping hoods, and large purses hanging from elaborate metallic belts. This new silhouette was both mysterious and daring. Read more
Cardinal Roselli and his Missal – A Wonder in Gold and Vibrant Colours
25/03/2019The Missal of Roselli – Messale Roselli – was produced for Cardinal Nicolas Rosell in Avignon c. 1350. Now, in Torino, it represents one of the beautiful illuminated missals from the 14th century. Read more
New Exhibitions
Gold and Glory in Basel
06/11/2019In 1019 the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry II, took part in the consecration of the Minster in Basel. A major exhibition marks the anniversary Read more
Furnishing Early Medieval Egypt
19/09/2019Vibrant colors and an array of textures enlivened the interior spaces of early medieval Egypt. Whether villas, palaces, churches mosques, people lived with woven tapestries on their walls, beds, and tables. Read more
Fragments of Byzantine Fashion
11/09/2019How did the Byzantines dress? In a spectacular exhibition in Washington, visitors are invited to explore a selection of the garments preserved by Dumbarton Oaks. Read more
Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation
18/05/2019May 2019, a long-awaited exhibition at Winchester Cathedral will tell the story of the birth of the English Nation. Read more