Godrich of Finchale (1070-1170) was a popular saint in the county of Durham, where he ended his days as a hermit. A new edition of his life was recently published.
Author: Medieval Histories
Medieval Histories is a News site where anyone - professionals or just generally interested - can read about new exhibitions, books, research, excavations, finds, treasures... and much more! The site is created and owned by Karen Schousboe (http//:www.karenschousboe.com)
Hervor – the Real Story about the Female Viking Warrior from Birka
In 1878, archaeologists excavated the rich grave of a Viking warrior in Birka from the 10th century. In 2017, however, the dead person was identified by DNA as a woman. In a new book, Nancy Marie Brown imagines her life
Elegant golden earring from Byzantium found by metal-detector
Unique 11th-century earring made of gold with cloisonné enamelling from was recently discovered by a metal-detector in Western Jutland. The earring likely derives from Byzantium or Egypt.
Royal Golden Dress from ca. 1400 returns to Denmark
Until 1659 the medieval dress of Queen Margaret I of Denmark and Norway was kept as a precious relic in the Cathedral in Roskilde. Today it is back for a splendid exhibition in Copenhagen at Christiansborg.
Eric IV – Murdered Danish King c. 1216-1241
August 1250, Eric IV – also known as Eric Ploughpenny – was murdered on a boat and dumped in the firth of Schlei. His death was the culmination of ten years of civil war and the harbinger of a tumultuous period in the medieval history of Denmark.
A History of Slavery in the Viking Age
Viking slavery was not primarily about acquiring slaves for the Nordic countries. Rather, it was a valuable commodity sold on the large slave-markets
The Archaeology of Slavery in Early Medieval Northern Europe
Vikings were not just raiders and traders, but also slavers. Until now the role of slave-trading has primarily been explored through written sources. A new comprehensive overview of the archaeological evidence offers valuable insights into this "invisible commodity".
The Baptism of Harold Bluetooth, the Ordeal of Poppo and a New Source
A new source - Avico's Annals - tells a very different story about the famous conversion and baptism of Harold Bluetooth in the 960s
The Lendbreen Pass – and a Lost Viking Settlement
Cold, and desolate, the mountainous landscape in Jotunheimen in Norway offers hardship and tough hikes. Nevertheless, a thousand years ago, a rugged mountain pass was one of the arteries of Viking Age traffic.
The Viking World – Exhibition in Stockholm 2021
A new exhibition in Stockholm called the Viking World boasts of being the world’s largest. Opening its doors in June, the jury is still out. But the preview seems impressive.
Vikings Before Viking
When the two Viking ships holding the remains of 41 dead warriors were dated to ca. AD 750, the sensation rippled through academic circles. Now, the finds are exhibited at Salme in Estonia.
The Medieval World and the Middle Ages
What was the Middle Ages known for? Why was it called the Middle Ages? What characterised the Medieval World?
Fast and Feast – a Taste of Easter Past
The intriguing world of medieval Easter will be unearthed at a new virtual course staged by Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle in conjunction with Durham University’s Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies
That JORVIK Viking Thing 2021
For years Yorvik has hosted a week-long celebration of all thing Viking. In 2021. Jorvik Plans an online festival of all things Viking.
Sutton Hoo – Where to Begin?
Seen “The Dig”? And wish to know more about archaeological excavations at Sutton Hoo and the spectacular finds. Here is a list of books offering a starting point
What was the Medieval Soundscape like?
People living in the modern world tend to hear solely with their ears. In the Middle Ages, however, the borders between the different senses were much more blurred. A German research project aims to explore this complex soundscape