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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Valentine's Day has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love across the world. With the oldest surviving Valentine's letter confessing undying love being over 500 years old, we take a look at some extraordinary Valentine stories. In this special episode of Gone Medieval, Matt and Cat join forces! From Viking age romance, revenge, arson, and even bribery. Matt and Cat compete for the best medieval Valentine's saga. Do you have any Medieval love stor...
Justice; the principle that people receive that which they deserve. But what did this mean for women when dealing with Medieval Law? In today's episode of Gone Medieval, Cat is joined by historian and author Teresa Phipps as we draw upon legal records. Examining women's involvement in crime and the legal system. How were women represented in late-medieval England? Don’t forget to leave us a rating and review while you're here! For more Gone Medieval content, subscribe to our Medieval Monday news...
During the early hours of February 13 1322, disaster struck at the vast cathedral on the Isle of Ely in Cambridgeshire, known now as the Ship of the Fens. At around three or four in the morning, the building's huge central tower collapsed with a mighty crash, falling where the monks had only recently been celebrating mass. As this year marks the 700th anniversary of the disaster–and it's the reason for the unusual replacement tower seen at Ely today–for this episode, Matt sits down with art and ...
To mark the US release of our very own Dr Cat Jarman’s incredible book River Kings: A New History of the Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads , sit back and relax as she takes us a whistle-stop tour of her captivating Sunday Times bestseller. From Sweden to Ukraine and from London to Constantinople, the Vikings certainly got about! But how much of a link was there between the western and eastern Viking worlds? By joining the dots of fascinating new archaeological evidence, pioneering resea...
The Middle Ages were a period of exploration in medicine, but it didn't come without risk. The lack of understanding when it came to sanitation and cleanliness resulted in disaster and even death for many. But how far have we come? In this episode, Matt is joined by author Juliana Cummings who specialises in Tudor and medieval history. We delve into the myths and misconceptions around medieval medicine, exploring this period of medical learning. From physicians to barber-surgeons, we gain a bett...
While Braveheart isn't known for its historical accuracy - there is one surprising fact it gets dramatically wrong. In the medieval period, the large formidable horses often depicted riding into battle were actually no bigger than a modern day pony. This week Cat is joined by Oliver Creighton and Alan Outram from the University of Exeter to discuss their new, fascinating findings into this topic. Working along side other research teams, they have been able to extract and analyse DNA from horse s...
If you travelled back in time to the Medieval period this very second, do you think you would survive? The short answer is probably not. If you weren't wearing a hat, wore glasses on the street, or even laced your corset in the wrong way, things would go south for you very quickly. Luckily, this week Matt is joined by Toni Mount, author of the book 'How to Survive in Medieval England' who provides an insight on what it would take to avoid beatings, homelessness, and hunger in Medieval times. If ...
If you've watched a film or TV show about vikings recently, you may well have noticed a distinctive hairstyle featuring an undercut and a ponytail. But is this actually a realistic depiction? And, do we really know much about viking hair at all? Luckily, we certainly know a lot about viking grooming, not least because Norsemen were said to be popular with Anglo-Saxon women thanks to their (relative) cleanliness! What we know about viking hair, hygiene and grooming can actually tell us a lot abou...
Knights in their armour is one of the most enduring images of the Middle Ages, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind and a role that many of us would have played at as children. Yet surprisingly, there are no surviving examples of English armour from this period that we know of in the world. So how do we know what armour English knights donned on the battlefield? In this episode, Matt is joined by Toby Capwell, Curator of Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection, who has used alternative s...
The Kingdom of the Franks was the largest post-Roman barbarian kingdom in Western Europe, ruled by the Franks during Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. But how did it fare against Viking attacks? From the changes in travel, early raids, exports, and trades, we look at this kingdom and its Viking activity through a different lens. In this episode, Cat is joined by Christian Cooijmans. Christian is a British Academy Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool, with his research focusing ...
Joan of Arc is a name that’s instantly recognisable to most. A controversial figure in her own day, she has remained so ever since, often being adopted as a talisman of French nationalism. But how much do we really know—or understand—about the young woman who ignited France’s fightback against England during the Hundred Years’ War, but who paid the ultimate price at the age of just 19? To get to the heart of the real ‘Maid of Orléans’, Matt is joined in this episode by Dr Hannah Skoda, a Fellow ...
Dr. Kat Jarman and Dr. Simon Roffey investigate medieval leprosy, or Hansen's disease, and its profound impact. They discuss how archaeological evidence from sites like the Winchester leper hospital, combined with historical texts, challenges the long-held belief that those afflicted were entirely outcast from society. Instead, the episode reveals a complex picture of community care, specialized hospitals, dignified burials, and even a spiritual significance attached to suffering, contrasting with modern notions of disease stigma.
Dive into the fascinating world of medieval New Year, a period vastly different from our modern celebrations. This episode uncovers the various dates medieval societies observed as New Year, from January 1st under the Julian calendar to England's March 25th, Lady Day. Discover unique traditions like the Boy Bishop and the controversial Feast of Fools, alongside gift-giving customs and prolonged winter festivities. The episode concludes by contrasting these lengthy, religiously imbued celebrations with today's secular New Year, proposing a revival of the chivalrous "Peacock Vow" for modern resolutions.
Cat Jarman and medievalist James McMullen explore Viking winter survival, from their ingenious housing and clothing to crucial social adaptations like hospitality. The discussion covers how sagas reveal the impact of lean winters on society and the mythological Fimbulvetr, alongside the practical and religious significance of Iceland's geothermal hot springs. This episode highlights how climate profoundly shaped Viking life and culture.
Delve into the medieval roots of Christmas, discovering how elements like its name, the December 25th date, and the Yule log are rooted in ancient traditions. The episode details the evolution of the nativity scene, the emergence of the Christmas tree, and the transformation of St. Nicholas into Father Christmas, highlighting the blend of pagan festivals and Christian adaptations that shaped modern celebrations.
Cultural historian Herleik Baklid joins Dr. Kat Jarman to trace the fascinating journey of midwinter traditions from Roman Saturnalia and ancient pagan practices to the Viking Age Yule. They discuss the limited historical sources, the importance of beer and 'blots' (sacrifices), and how Christianity adapted existing customs. The episode highlights enduring pagan legacies still visible in modern Scandinavian Christmas celebrations, such as the name 'Jule' and specific festive rituals.
Professor Leah Devin discusses their book, "The Shape of Sex," exploring non-binary gender in the medieval world. The conversation covers how pre-modern societies understood sex and gender differently, including theological interpretations of an androgynous Adam and feminized Jesus. It also examines the shift around the 12th-13th centuries, where non-binary concepts were weaponized against marginalized groups, highlighting the fluid and often surprising nature of gender perceptions throughout history.
This episode delves into the history and architecture of Steeple Ashton, a stunning perpendicular church, guided by stonemason Andrew Ziminski. Discover the impact of the Black Death and wool trade on its construction, the secrets of its "hunky punks," and a hidden library. The episode also explores the enduring craft of medieval stonemasonry, from ancient tools to the often-anonymous lives of its builders, and even reveals an unexpected Islamic influence in its design.
Matt Lewis and Peter O'Donoghue delve into the captivating history of heralds and heraldry, tracing their beginnings from organizing medieval tournaments to their vital diplomatic and military roles. They discuss how coats of arms developed from battlefield identifiers to symbols of inherited lineage and social status, spreading across different societal ranks. The episode also covers the establishment and evolution of the College of Arms, detailing its historical context and its modern-day functions in granting new arms, maintaining genealogical records, and advising on heraldic matters, showcasing the dynamic nature of heraldic design over centuries.
This episode delves into the discovery of Queen Cynethryth of Mercia's lost 8th-century monastery in Cookham. Host Cat Jarman speaks with archaeologist Gabor Thomas about Cynethryth's remarkable power as the only Anglo-Saxon queen with coinage and her role as abbess. They discuss the strategic importance of early medieval monasteries, the archaeological findings at Cookham, and the nuanced understanding of monastic life beyond purely religious functions.
This episode features historian Bart van Loo discussing his book, "The Burgundians: A Vanished Empire." He reveals how the Dukes of Burgundy transformed a French vassal state into a powerful, culturally rich "third state" between France and the Holy Roman Empire. The conversation delves into their strategic political acumen, artistic patronage that fostered the Northern Renaissance, and how their legacy continues to shape the identity of modern Belgium and the Netherlands, correcting historical oversights.
This episode delves into the extraordinary life and account of Ibn Fadlan, a 10th-century Arab envoy whose ethnographic descriptions of his travels from Baghdad to Russia provide a unique window into medieval cultures, including the Rus. It explores the fascinating, often politically charged, journey of his manuscript's preservation, rediscovery, and translation through centuries. The discussion also touches upon how his story has been adapted in popular culture and the ongoing challenges of interpreting historical sources with modern biases.
Matt Lewis and historian Danièle Cybulskie delve into the world of medieval monks, defining their purpose, vows, and daily routines while distinguishing them from friars. They explore the practical and spiritual motivations for joining a monastery, the challenges of cloistered life, and how monks managed issues like human frailty and mental health. The discussion highlights the surprising relevance of monastic practices like mindfulness, structured living, and communal support for contemporary well-being, suggesting how ancient wisdom can offer lessons for finding purpose and balance in today's world.
Dr. Cat Jarman and Professor Michael Lewis of the British Museum delve into the legal and archaeological aspects of discovering historical artifacts. They discuss the medieval origins and evolving definition of "treasure," the complex reporting process involving coroners and museums, and the challenges posed by the monetary valuation of finds. Crucially, the episode highlights the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which systematically records non-treasure objects, revealing invaluable insights into medieval life and complementing traditional archaeological research.
Historian Ian Mortimer discusses his concept of "Medieval Horizons," challenging the common view that the Middle Ages were a period of stagnation. He re-evaluates progress by examining shifts in geographical knowledge, the nature of warfare, communication speed, the sense of individual self, and literacy. Mortimer argues that these overlooked advancements profoundly shaped society and offer crucial perspective on our modern world.
Dr. Cat Jarman visits Sutton Hoo, an early medieval site in Suffolk, joined by archaeologist Martin Carver. They discuss the famous Mound 1 ship burial, its lavish contents, and the chronological layers of different cemeteries found there. The episode also delves into the ambitious project to reconstruct a full-scale model of the 90-foot ship, detailing the building process, its research agenda, and future experimental voyages to understand 7th-century life and navigation. Listeners are invited to follow and support the ongoing construction.
Matt Lewis chats with metal detectorists Buffy and Ian Bailey, who discovered a tiny, pure gold medieval book in Yorkshire. They discuss the thrilling find, its historical significance linked to Richard III and saints of childbirth, and the ethical process of declaring and placing such a valuable artifact in a museum for public viewing. The episode delves into the mystery of how such a precious item was lost and its connection to other regional treasures.
Dr. Kat Jarman and Dan Snow speak with archaeologist Birgitta Wallace about the revolutionary new dating technique that pinpointed the Viking presence in North America at L'Anse aux Meadows to exactly 1021 AD. The discussion covers the science behind using solar flares' impact on tree rings, the initial discovery of the site, its architecture, and the broader context of Norse exploration. They delve into why the settlement was temporary, its purpose for resource gathering, interactions with indigenous populations, and the climate conditions, concluding with the ongoing excitement for future archaeological findings.
Join Matt Lewis for a deep dive into the Hundred Years' War, a prolonged struggle for the French crown between England and France. This episode chronologically examines the conflict's origins, including the Plantagenet claims and the Salic Law dispute. It highlights major military turning points like the naval Battle of Sluys and the land victories at Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt, showcasing the impact of key personalities such as Edward III, the Black Prince, Henry V, and the transformative role of Joan of Arc. The discussion also covers the devastating effect of the Black Death and the ultimate French triumph, concluding with the war's lasting legacy and its final acts.
Join Dr. Kat Jarman and archaeologist Dr. Adrian Maldonado to uncover the fascinating, multifaceted origins of Scotland. They discuss how various regional kingdoms and language groups evolved into a complex nation, challenging traditional narratives of a single origin. The episode highlights the significant impact of Viking raids, the archaeological footprint of the Great Army, and how international trade routes positioned Scotland as a central hub, ultimately shaping its strategic political development through the 11th century.
