The Medieval Podcast

These days, there are many different ways to be a historian outside of academia. In this episode, Danièle speaks with Christine Morgan, creator of Untitled History Project, about her latest work on the famous fairy Mélusine, Mary Boleyn, and making it as a historian off the tenure track. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the...

The recent (re)confirmation that the prestigious medieval warrior buried in Birka, Sweden was female has gotten people talking once again about the role of women in the Viking world. This week, Danièle interviews archaeologist Leszek Gardeła to learn more about women, warriors, and when a weapon is more than just a weapon. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you...

This month, an exciting connection was made between Islamic and Irish medicine through the discovery of a medieval fragment of Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine bound in a sixteenth-century printed book. In this episode, Danièle speaks with Pádraig O’Macháin about his discovery of the very first physical evidence that Avicenna was translated and shared in Gaelic. This podcast is made possible by the ge...

Everyone loves a medieval mystery novel, but just how does an author go about creating one that’s true to the period? To find out, Danièle speaks with Candace Robb, author of the Owen Archer and Kate Clifford mystery series to learn about how to create compelling and intriguing historical fiction. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help...

What was it like to be a bastard in medieval Europe? Were you excluded from one of the most important institutions of the time: the priesthood? Danièle is joined by Sara McDougall to talk about bastards, priests, and if you could be both at that same time.  This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, pleas...

How did medieval people deal with physical and mental challenges? Danièle speaks with Kisha Tracy of Fitchburg State University on why its important to talk about disabilities in the Middle Ages and what evidence we have for how people cared for each other when there was physical or mental disabilities. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to...

It was one of the most famous battles of the Middle Ages, and one that has been studied by many historians. Yet, we do not know exactly where the battle was fought. Danièle speaks with Michael Livingston about his latest research on where the battlefield might be. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history...

What was marriage in the Middle Ages really like? Danièle is joined by Ruth Mazo Karras, Lecky Professor Of History at Trinity College Dublin, a leading expert on medieval relationships, especially marriage. They discuss love, weddings and partnerships in medieval society.  This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of mediev...

The medieval tale Le Jongleur de Notre Dame or Our Lady’s Tumbler had been forgotten for centuries, but then was rediscovered in the 19th century. It rapidly became a very popular story, recreated in books, plays and films. Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington D.C. has opened the “Juggling the Middle Ages” exhibition to look at the medieval tale and its modern reinterpretation. Danièle is joined by...

Researchers examining the remains of a medieval nun in Germany have discovered the mineral Lapus Lazuli in her teeth. Danièle talks with two of the team members behind this fascinating find, Christina Warinner and Alison Beach, about how her blue teeth tells us she was an artist. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of...

The Crusades were a phenomenon that had profound consequences for Europe and the Middle East. Why did they begin and how did they evolve? Danièle is joined by Andrew Latham of Macalester College, author of Theorizing Medieval Geopolitics, to talk about the Crusades, including Richard the Lionheart's strategy during the Third Crusade.  This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listen...

The Hundred Years' War would see England and France fighting for much the 14th and 15th centuries. It was one of the most important conflicts of the Middle Ages. Danièle speaks with Dr. David Green of Harlaxton College, the author of The Hundred Years War: A People’s History. They talk about the causes of the war, and how the conflict impacted peasants, the Church, soldiers and women. You can foll...

How were books made and used in the Middle Ages? Danièle is joined by Professor Erik Kwakkel from the University of British Columbia, a 'rockstar' of the Book History world. Learn about the process of making manuscripts, including why medieval scribes made doodles in their works. You can follow Erik on Twitter @erik_kwakkel  This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like y...

Could you really find coconuts in medieval England? Danièle talks with Kathleen E. Kennedy, Associate Professor of English at Penn State-Brandywine, about medieval trade, Monty Python, goblets and more. You can follow Kathleen on Twitter @TheMedievalDrK This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please vi...

We introduce you to The Medieval Podcast. Danièle Cybulskie talks with Peter Konieczny, the editor of Medievalists.net, about why we are starting a podcast and what to expect in future episodes. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please visit patreon.com/themedievalpodcast