From long-lost Viking ships to kings buried in unexpected places; from murders and power politics, to myths, religion, the lives of ordinary people: Gone Medieval is History Hit’s podcast dedicated to the middle ages, in Europe and far beyond.
New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
A podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, The Ancients, and Betwixt the Sheets.
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Can vultures eyes wrapped in fox pelt help heal sore skin? How important are leeches? Medieval people cared deeply about beauty, health and wellness; they were obsessed with remedies, beauty hacks and astrological predictions. Dr. Eleanor Janega hears about fascinating new research led by Professor James Palmer, from global ingredients and moon-based health charts, to how to achieve a medieval 'glow up'. More: Midwinter Medieval Traditions Medieval Guide to Magic Gone Medieval is presented by Dr...
Was the Hundred Years War actually a two-century long conflict? Matt Lewis sits down with Professor Michael Livingston to re-examine the traditional concept of the Hundred Years War between France and England. From the murder that sparked the initial conflict, to the collapse of French resistance up until the rise of Joan of Arc, crises on both sides of the channel framed these tumultuous centuries. MORE 1217: The Year That Forged England Henry V with Dan Jones Gone Medieval is presented by Matt...
Dr. Eleanor Janega is on a field trip to uncover the secrets of the Anglo-Saxon palace at Ad Gefrin, the summer residence of King Edwin of Northumbria. Joined on site by experts Chris Ferguson and Professor Sarah Semple, she explores recent archaeological discoveries that reveal grand halls, unique timber structures, and hints of mass Christian conversions. From the mysterious grandstand to the epic feasts hosted by kings and queens, these find buried deep in the ground paint a vivid picture of ...
Come with us down the dark, damp woodland lane for Gone Medieval's Halloween Spooktacular. Matt Lewis is joined by Amy Boucher and Alix Chidley-Uttley to delve into the eerie world of medieval ghost stories, folklore, and superstitions. What is the ominous significance of yew trees in graveyards? What is a corpse road? Discover how medieval stories and superstitions were more than spooky tales; they carried moral lessons and deeply entangled with folklore, religion and death. More Dragons: From ...
Who was the self-proclaimed Prince of Wales, who was foretold in myth to free Wales from the tyrannical English and who was also a fabled wizard? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Rhun Emlyn to find the real Owain Glyndwr. They discuss his legendary rebellion against English rule in 1400 and explore the transformation of 14th-century Wales, from Glyndwr's ambitious military feats and his efforts to unite a fractured country, to the myths and legends surrounding this revolutionary character who...
Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. John Tolan to explore the profound impact of the appearance of the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century. Who was he? And what were the events that attended the birth of a new religion and a new empire? Together Matt and Dr Tolan explore the life of Muhammad, his revelations, and the enduring legacy of the Islamic faith. More Ibn Fadlan: An Arab Among Vikings Medieval Jerusalem Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Ro...
**This episode contains graphic references to genitalia** Did you know that the Catherine Wheel firework takes its inspiration from St. Catherine of Alexandria? How did a 4th-century noblewoman convert fifty of the empire's greatest philosophers to Christianity before they were executed alongside her? Dr. Eleanor Janega is once again joined by historian and storyteller Amy Jeffs, this time to uncover the fascinating stories of medieval saints connected to the autumn. In addition to St. Catherine...
It's time. Winter has come, and the giant wolf has swallowed the sun. Today, Matt Lewis holds our hand as we experience the end of the world, known to the Norse people as Ragnarok. He's joined by Eleanor Barraclough to explore the intricate prophecies, mythic battles, and the ultimate destruction and rebirth of the nine realms. This is the final episode in our series on the Norse Mythologies and ties together the previous explorations of Norse creation myths, gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki, and ...
Gone Medieval is embarking on an epic journey through Norse Mythology; from the first creation myth to Ragnarok, Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega are joined by our Viking king for immersive storytelling, cinematic sound design, expert interviews, and thrilling discoveries about Odin and his magical offspring, Asgard, Valhalla, and more. So if you think you can outdrink Thor and outwit Loki join us! Today, we ask; where do Vikings go when they die? Eleanor is joined by Carolyne Larrington to exp...
Matt Lewis and Carolyne Larrington embark on a mythical journey to understand Thor, the god of thunder, and Loki, the god of mischief. They uncover the true origins of these figures, their family ties, and legendary exploits, including Thor's stolen hammer and Loki's monstrous children. The discussion challenges modern Marvel interpretations, revealing the gods' shifting dynamics from allies to adversaries and their moral ambiguities.
Dr. Eleanor Janega gets chummy with the gods of Norse Mythology. She's joined by Professor Carolyne Larrington to explore Odin’s quest for wisdom and the heart-wrenching trials he undergoes; Loki's shapeshifting exploits, and the tragic saga of Baldr orchestrated by the wise but fallible Frigg. Through tales of divine intrigue, sacrifice, and cosmic wonder, discover how these myths reflect human nature and societal values. MORE The Viking Age: what new discoveries reveal Gone Medieval is present...
Across October Gone Medieval embarks on an epic journey through Norse Mythology in a new series. From the first creation myth to Ragnarok, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega are joined by our Viking king for immersive storytelling, cinematic sound design, expert interviews, and thrilling discoveries about Odin, and his magical offspring, Asgard, Valhalla, and more. So if you think you can outdrink Thor and outwit Loki join us! Today, Matt Lewis takes us back to the beginning of all things; ...
Dr. Eleanor Janega and guests Amy Jeffs, Gwen Burns, and Natalie Bryce dissolve boundaries between history, myth, and music to explore medieval ballads. They define these ancient story songs, discuss their collaborative project reimagining them, and trace their origins and themes from "The Demon Lover" to "Thomas the Rhymer." The conversation highlights complex female characters, the role of women in ballad transmission, and the fascinating interplay of folklore, politics, and the supernatural in Elfland, demonstrating the ballads' lasting human connection.
How have tales of King Arthur evolved over centuries and why have they exerted such an enduring cultural appeal on countless generations? Matt Lewis delves into the legend of King Arthur, guided by Dr. Mary Bateman. Together they explore the evolution of Arthur's myth from ancient folklore to the romanticised figure and a robust literary tradition, engaging the imagination across successive eras. More: Legend of William Tell Legends of Robin Hood Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. Audio e...
Step into the mist-shrouded world of medieval magic, forbidden love, and forgotten prophecies. In this episode of Gone Medieval , Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by renowned Arthurian expert John Matthews to explore The Prophecies of Merlin — a long-lost medieval text finally translated into English after more than 500 years. This extraordinary book, first published in Paris in 1498, reveals a darker and lesser-known side of Britain’s most famous wizard. From Merlin’s demon-born origins and his ent...
Matt Lewis shifts the Gone Medieval spotlight from well-known Viking raiders and celebrated Anglo-Saxon kings to consider Æthelstan, an often overlooked yet crucial figure in British history. Æthelstan was the first monarch to unite the region that resembles modern England and to call himself King of the English. Matt is joined by David Woodman - author of The First King of England: Athelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom - for an in-depth exploration of Æthelstan's significance and legacy. More Mu...
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a queen who defied expectations, a duchess who outmanoeuvred kings, and a mother whose dynasty shaped the future of Europe. She is often remembered through myth, gossip, and legend—but the truth is far more fascinating. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Professor Lindy Grant, to uncover the real story of Eleanor. From her early vulnerability as Queen of France, to her pivotal role as Queen of England and Queen Dowager, Eleanor’s political journey is one of survival, reinve...
Matt Lewis and Levi Roach uncover the importance and intricacies of the Domesday Book, a monumental survey commissioned by William the Conqueror to consolidate his power following the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and the infamous Harrying of the North. The Domesday Book's astonishing level of detail is unpacked, revealing insights into landholding changes, taxation, and the bureaucratic prowess displayed by William's administration. Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Hadd...
Dr. Eleanor Janega unravels the blood-soaked aftermath of the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England. Joined by Professor Levi Roach, Eleanor delves into the harrowing campaign, known as the Harrying of the North, where William the Conqueror brutally suppressed the north of England through widespread destruction and terror tactics. They explore the political impact, the subsequent revolts, and how these events reshaped the English social landscape. MORE: Battle of Hastings William...
Unmasking the Myth: The Real Story of William Wallace Matt Lewis and Dr. Fiona Watson get to know the true life of William Wallace, challenging the myths popularised by the film Braveheart. From Wallace's background and family origins to his role in Scotland’s fight for independence and ultimate demise, Matt and Fiona unravel the stunning real historical narrative. From Wallace's significant victories and strategic moves to his enduring legacy as a symbol of Scottish patriotism, free from the em...
This episode delves into the multifaceted ways medieval people across the globe, from Europe to Asia and the Americas, perceived the moon. Dr. Ayoush Lazikani explores its symbolism as both powerful and fragile, representing love, beauty, exile, and mystery. The discussion covers astronomical and medical beliefs, prophetic uses, and its portrayal in literature and folklore as a companion, deity, or reflection of human experience, emphasizing a global perspective beyond Eurocentrism.
This episode delves into the life of King Edward I, exploring his early years, dramatic conception, and unique Anglo-Saxon name. It uncovers his complex character as a brutal warrior, shrewd politician, and legal reformer, from his formative experiences during the Barons' Wars and a Crusade, to his strategic conquest of Wales and persistent conflicts with Scotland. The discussion also examines his pivotal reforms in English law, Parliament's evolving role, and the controversial expulsion of the Jewish population, assessing his lasting legacy.
The image we usually associate with a Crusader - of a dashing nobleman on a mighty steed heading out for Holy War - often obscures all of the other medieval people who went to the Holy Land, especially the countless women. In this edition of Gone Medieval , Dr. Eleanor Janega talks to Dr. Natasha Hodgson about the women who went everywhere that men went, and what our own expectations lead us to overlook in history. They discuss key figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine and lesser-known individuals l...
A King clinging to his right to rule. A young Tudor ready to snatch the crown and begin a new dynasty. With immersive sound design and cinematic story-telling; Matt Lewis brings to life one of the pivotal moments in English history—the Battle of Bosworth. On August 22, 1485, Richard III faced off against Henry Tudor, a clash that culminated in the end of the Wars of the Roses and marked a turning point for the English crown. From the strategic moves on the battlefield to the dramatic death of Ri...
This episode contains obscene and sexual language throughout The medieval world was far from prudish, it was positively bawdy. Writers, preachers, and even everyday neighbours used blunt, often hilarious language to talk about sex and the body—not just for laughs, but to make sharp points about morality, hypocrisy, and power. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Prof. Carissa Harris to celebrate Medieval obscenity, from bawdy verse to barbed sermons, explicit language was a tool: it punctured vanity,...
Helen Castor and Matt Lewis delve into the 15th-century Paston Letters, the earliest collection of private English correspondence, offering unique insights into a family navigating the Wars of the Roses. They discuss the family's rise, their struggles with local disputes and a dramatic castle siege, and intimate details of love and loss. The episode highlights how these letters provide a rare, human perspective on a turbulent period, including the first known mention of Valentine's Day.
What happened when tyranny came face to face with an imperturbable crossbow sharp-shooter? Dr. Eleanor Janega explores the myth of Switzerland’s most iconic medieval folk hero with Dr. Marc Lerner. They revisit Altdorf in 1307 where William Tell - allegedly - defied a tyrant with a single, legendary shot and launched a legacy of freedom, resistance, and revolution. But was Tell real or a myth built from folklore? And how did his story echo across the French and American Revolutions, becoming a p...
Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis discuss the complex 15th century in England, moving from the shadow of the Black Death and the rise of Lollardy to the seismic political shift caused by Richard II's deposition. They analyze Henry IV's challenging reign, Henry V's military prowess in the Hundred Years' War, and the profound crisis of Henry VI's infant succession. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of figures like Joan of Arc in shaping national identity, the increasing influence of women in authorship, and the ultimate exhaustion of the Wars of the Roses, which paved the way for a stronger Parliament and new social classes.
How did the 14th-century Black Death influenced fashion trends? And were medieval bald men considered 'hot' because their hair burned off due to their masculinity? From clear skin and youthful appearance to the controversial make-up practices of the period Dr. Eleanor Janega and Dr. Kate Lister explore this fascinating, ever-changing concept. MORE Real Medieval Women with Philippa Gregory https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bGP4HAgsUgVkazs2Dkdyw Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It...
Join Matt Lewis and Dan Jones as they delve into the forgotten yet crucial 1350 Battle of Winchelsea, a pivotal naval clash during the Hundred Years' War. They uncover the strategic complexities, Edward III's audacious tactics, and the devastating influence of the Black Death on the period. The discussion also highlights how the era's challenges shaped the characters in Jones's historical novel 'Lionhearts', offering a vivid look at life and combat in a tumultuous age.
