574 Items Tagged

Medieval

To Pay Rent in Medieval England, Catch Some Eels

The “Surprised Eel Historian” has mapped every eel rent recorded in medieval England.

Leah Hamilton May 18, 2023

Podcast: Voynich Manuscript

A strange medieval document, housed in a stunning modern library.

The Podcast Team May 16, 2023

Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle, France

Towers of Merle

Explore an eerie, abandoned medieval citadel.

Peyrusse-le-Roc, France

Peyrusse le Roc

The evocative ruins of a medieval village.

How to Keep a Medieval Ghost Town Ghostly

Step 1: Buy it. Step 2: Maybe a poetry reading?

Vittoria Traverso May 3, 2023

5 of Our Favorite Odd Traditions of English Royalty

From a coronation pie made of lampreys to someone to chat with you in the loo.

April White April 26, 2023

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gornji trg Preduh Tunnel

In between two buildings in Ljubljana, medieval tunnel to nowhere.

Ancient DNA Restores the Origin Story of the Swahili People

New research complicates both modern and colonial-era ideas about the medieval East African civilization.

Chapurukha Kusimba and David Reich April 24, 2023

Rostushe, North Macedonia

Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery

St. John the Baptist's forearm is housed in this remote 11th-century monastery.

Port Eynon, Wales

Port Eynon Salt House

The seaside ruins of an ancient salt production facility.

How Did a Medieval Spice Cabinet Survive 500 Years Underwater?

Exotic saffron, black pepper, ginger, cloves, and more offer a look into how Scandinavian royalty lived.

Line Sidonie Talla Mafotsing March 28, 2023

The Smallest Window in the World

At least according to the Guinness World Records.

The Medieval Thieves Who Used Cats, Apes, and Tortoises as Accomplices

The Banū Sāsān were known for turning animals to lives of crime.

Ramsha Zubairi March 3, 2023

Fontaine de la Croix-du-Trahoir

Executions were once held near this beautiful 18th-century fountain.

objects of intrigue

These Masks Brought Shame to Gossips, Drunks, and Narcissists

In 17th-century Germany, a "schandmaske" was the prescribed punishment for social transgression.

Shoshi Parks February 17, 2023

Torre Federici

A family accused of witchcraft once called this medieval tower home.

What Is a Fairy Fort?

In Ireland, fears about disturbing the fair folk have saved thousands of these mysterious ancient structures.

Sarah Durn February 2, 2023

Domrémy-la-Pucelle, France

Birthplace of Joan of Arc

The woman who helped save 15th-century France was born in this humble home.