The re-enactment of the Coronation of Charles IV in Prague is a recurrent event. This year, it will be a faithful, scientifically based recreation
Category: When History Matters
Tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent in Szigetvár
When Suleiman the Magnificent died in Szigetvár his heart and entrails were buried there. His newly discovered mausoleum is hoped to be a new tourism magnet
Syrian Drought Worst in 900 Years
The newly published Old World Drought Atlas was recently used to gauge the seriousness of the Syrian Draught, the like of which has not been seen for 900 years.
Human Remains in Public Collections
Sweden recently compiled a report on human remains in Swedish Historical Museums. Seventeen percent hold and exhibit remains of Sami people.
Kremlin under Siege – or the Medieval Campaign of Putin
UNESCO considers removing World Heritage Status from the Kremlin due to the erection of a massive statue of Vladimir the Great
Taharrush Jama’i – and Medieval Charivari
How shall we understand the events on New Years Eve in Cologne? As the acts of sexually famished young men? As the reflection of another culture? Religion? Or were they primarily culturally inspired coordinated political acts? Comparison with the medieval charivari institution points in that direction
Martinmas at Dugo Selo
Next week people in Dugo Selo on the Balkan Route will celebrate the traditional Martinmass. Hopefully they – and we – will remember that St. Martin is famous for having cut his cloak in two
The Pope as Judge and Lawgiver
In the Middle Ages the Pope gradually became the highest judicial authority in the church. Exhibition at Yale traces the impact of the Pope on both Canon law and Civil law.
Vatican Besieged by Potential Terrorists
Recently Pope Francis commented on the heightened threats to security in the Vatican following the influx of unregistered immigrants to Europe.
Romania’s Fortified Churches Threatened
Romanian officials are busy destroying their unique heritage – its Saxon churches from the 13th – 16th century, says local watchdogs
Barbarian Hordes and Pitiful People
Sometimes politicians comment upon the fugitive crisis in Europe 2015 by referring to the 'Barbarian Hordes' and the events in the 4th and 5th centuries. Does this make sense?
Barbarian Europe
Book by Karol Modzelewski about Barbarian Europe from the Early Middle Ages is finally available in a beautiful and very readable English translation.
“Laudato Si” in the 21st century
The title of the Papal Encyclical, Laudato Si, is the refrain of the Canticle of Creation by Francis of Assisi. But what did the saint really mean by using this phrase?
Medieval Venice under Siege by Cruise Ships
Italian big business and – probably – corrupt politicians wish to dig a canal in the lagoon at Venice, enabling gargantuan cruise-ships to hover over the skyline of the medieval city
Medieval Armenia
Today the world remembers the 100-year anniversary of the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians. We should also remember the awful cultural destruction
Lack of Medieval Male Heirs has Modern Impact
Lack of Medieval Male Heirs led to conflicts and instability and slowed down economic development. The consequences can still be detected in modern European national and regional economies. It appears Henry VIII was right to fret about his lack of male heirs!