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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This episode delves into the profound impact of dragons on the medieval mind, tracing their origins from ancient myths to their complex symbolism in Christianity, where they embodied Satan and were also harnessed by saints. It explores their varied forms, their appearances in heraldry and art, and how their stories adapted through folklore and across different regions, revealing an enduring fascination that extends to modern times.
Here on Gone Medieval we love to share the historical nuggets you won't commonly find. We are the insider's guide to Medieval times. and today Matt Lewis is taken on a whistle-stop tour of Medieval England by Julian Humphrys, to explore five noteworthy locations that might just be round the corner from your campsite or ferry stop this summer. From Viking raids and the Wars of the Roses to medieval architecture and the defense strategies of Dover, this episode is packed with intriguing stories an...
This episode unravels the captivating history of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, from its unique origins as a landless city built on a lagoon to its evolution into a formidable maritime empire. It delves into how Venice leveraged trade, defied feudal norms, and made strategic moves like the Fourth Crusade to secure its unparalleled success. The discussion also covers its intense rivalries and remarkable ingenuity in adapting to shifting geopolitical and commercial landscapes.
This episode delves into the rich tapestry of medieval folklore, examining the captivating role monsters played in society. Guests discuss the Bavarian dragon's evolving symbolism, the dual nature of Japanese Oni as both feared demons and outlaws, and the alluring shapeshifting Selkies of Orkney. The conversation explores how these mythical beings reflected medieval fears, beliefs, and even political landscapes, and how their stories continue to resonate today.
This episode contains explicit language and graphic descriptions of birth Today we're delving into historical childbirth's stark realities, facing the medieval attitudes toward childbirth, its dangers, and grizzly details. Dr. Eleanor Janega pays a visit to our sister podcast Betwixt the Sheets to be the guest of its presenter Dr. Kate Lister, and they explore the life of midwives, including their crucial role, training, and societal perceptions. They also touch on unique aspects such as the med...
Do you know what a Squire did? Was a Merchant as fancy as he sounds? Gone Medieval continues our week of pilgrimage as Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Robert Mayer Lee to explore the diverse jobs and social status' of the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. They discuss how Chaucer's work reflects the fluidity and complexities of social mobility in 14th century England and the motivations and messages behind these timeless stories. More: Geoffrey Chaucer, Father of English Literat...
This episode contains explicit language and themes We're revelling in the Canterbury Tales this week; who else to kick things off with a bang than the scandalous Wife of Bath? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Hetta Howes to celebrate Chaucer's scandalous and witty Wife of Bath, as they explore her five marriages, defiance of medieval norms, and her unapologetically bold voice. Together they unravel the rich details of her prologue and tale, filled with humour, controversy, and groundbreaking ...
Ever worn a St. Christopher medallion and wondered about the man carrying the Christ child across a river? Or heard of St. Uncumber, the bearded female saint invoked by women desperate to escape unwanted marriages? In this episode of Gone Medieval , Matt Lewis is once again joined by historian and storyteller Amy Jeffs, this time to uncover the fascinating stories of medieval saints connected to the summer months. From the legendary Seven Sleepers of Ephesus—precursors to fairy tales like Snow W...
Dr. Eleanor Janega sifts through the myths to uncover the foundations of medieval Hungary and its peoples. From the legendary tales of the country's origins to the process of Christianization under King Stephen, Eleanor and Professor Nora Berend discuss how various migrations shaped the kingdom, the devastating impact of the Mongol invasions, and Hungary's intricate relationships with surrounding empires. MORE Genghis Khan's Pax Mongolica > The Habsburgs > Gone Medieval is presented by Dr....
An investigation into the dramatic siege of London in 1471 and the controversial and mysterious death of Henry VI. Matt Lewis is joined by Andrew Boardman to unpack Thomas Neville's assault on London, a rebellion that set the city on fire and led to panic within its walls. They explore the aftermath and the evidence that Edward IV made a calculated decision to end Henry VI’s life to quash future rebellions. Was Henry VI's death due to 'pure melancholy' as reported, or something more sinister? MO...
Dr. Eleanor Janega delves into the enigmatic figure of the Green Man, tracing his origins and uncovering the myths and realities behind this medieval character. Eleanor is joined on location in Kent - at St. Mary's, Minster-in-Thanet, and St. Nicholas at Wade - by Imogen Corrigan to explore the symbolism and significance of the medieval Green Man carvings, a detail often misunderstood as a pagan symbol but here reinterpreted within a Christian context of rebirth and eternal life. Along the way, ...
For more than 400 years, Irish warfare was dominated by the Galloglass, elite Norse-Gael mercenary warriors who reshaped battles with their two-handed sparth axes and claymores. Why did Gaelic chieftains and Norman lords alike rely on these foreign fighters? And what drove the Galloglass to fight with such ferocity that English observers would later write, "When they strike they inflict a dreadful wound"? To find out more, Matt Lewis is joined by Fergus Cannan-Braniff, a descendant of Rob Roy Ma...
In early 15th century, the execution of Jan Hus — a fiery preacher who dared to challenge the might of the Catholic Church in Bohemia — ignited a rebellion that shook medieval Europe to its core. The Hussite Wars were not just a fight for religious reform; they were an explosion of new ideas, military innovation and national identity that would echo across centuries. Dr. Eleanor Janega recounts this tale of heresy, revolution and a relentless quest for justice. From the thunderous defenestration...
Inside Edward IV's Last Will: Secrets, Stories, and Medieval Mysteries Journey back to 1475, a time when Edward, undefeated on the battlefields of the Wars of the Roses, prepared for a grand invasion of France, including writing his Will. Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. Euan C. Roger from the National Archives and discovers the untold stories behind Edward's preparations, including the mysterious fate of his will, the detailed provisions for St. George's Chapel at Windsor and the efforts to secure t...
Dr. Eleanor Janega and author Stella Duffy dive into the extraordinary life and legacy of Empress Theodora. A woman who rose from the lowest ranks of society as a prostitute at the Hippodrome to capture the heard of an emperor to become the most powerful woman in the Byzantine Empire. A strident feminist, she fought for women's rights bringing in laws to stop sex trafficking and punish rape, Theodora was a game changer of the highest order who was venerated a as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox C...
Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis embark on a rollicking journey through the High Middle Ages, unearthing the epic power struggles between popes and kings, and getting to know standout figures like the audacious Frederick II. They discuss how game-changing innovations like the heavy plough and crop rotation systems transformed medieval farming and sparked a social revolution, exploring the intellectual boom of the 12th-century Renaissance, the relentless Norman conquests, and the majestic Mongol...
How did Frederick Barbarossa reshape medieval Europe into the romantic legends that endure today? Dr. Eleanor Janega finds out with help from Professor Graham Loud. They explore Barbarossa's dramatic reign, his conflicts with the Lombard League and the Italian city-states, as well as his pivotal role in two Crusades. Hear about the extraordinary lengths Barbarossa went to secure safe passage for his army, his clash with the Byzantine Empire, and his fateful end during the Third Crusade. MORE Hol...
Matt Lewis dives into the dramatic and transformative 14th century with historian Helen Carr, from the drama of the Peasants' Revolt, where commoners breached the mighty Tower of London and terrified a young King Richard II to the chaos of the Black Death and its surprising aftermath—an age of opportunity and change. From Edward II's controversial reign to Richard II's downfall, Matt and Helen uncover the gripping stories and seismic shifts of the 14th century to discover how resilience and uphe...
Long before the arrival of Europeans, the islands of Indonesia were home to powerful kingdoms who fended off Genghis Khan and took a part in global trade routes. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Alex West to explore the rich and often overlooked history of Medieval Indonesia; a world where Indian, Chinese, and Islamic influences converged to create a vibrant cultural mosaic, where oceanic trade networks brought spices, silk, and stories from the Levant to New Guinea - and how these exchanges ...
Why do we know so little about Anne Neville, despite her significant role in history? Anne Neville led a life shaped by power, tragedy, and shifting allegiances. Daughter of the formidable Warwick the Kingmaker, Anne was widowed at 15 before marrying Richard, Duke of Gloucester - later Richard III. Crowned alongside him in a dazzling coronation, Anne’s reign was brief and marred by heartbreak, especially after the death of her only son. Matt Lewis reflects on Anne Neville's life of resilience an...
What really happened when the last pagans of medieval Europe were 'converted' to Christianity? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Francis Young unravel the fascinating story of Lithuania's dramatic conversion to Christianity in 1387. From the political intrigue, the Teutonic Knights' relentless crusades to the cultural clash that led to the end of Europe's last pagan stronghold. They discuss how ancient traditions blended with new beliefs and a pivotal moment in history. MORE Teutonic Knights: ...
Was Robin Hood a symbol of justice? A challenge to authority? Or simply a folk hero offering a fantasy of freedom? Whether or not he truly existed, Robin Hood is one of the most enduring figures from medieval England—so beloved that by the 15th century, churchmen complained their congregations liked stories of the outlaw more than sermons. But how did Robin Hood capture the medieval imagination so powerfully? Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Stephen H. Rigby to explore how Robin Hood’s legend t...
Ivar the Boneless is renowned as a fearsome Norse leader who invaded England and Ireland. But beyond the myth-making, who was Ivar really? Was he a son of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok? How did he get his not very fearsome name? What was his role in the infamous Great Heathen Army and the Viking invasion of England? Dr. Eleanor Janega returns to the bloody, brutal, and often baffling world of the Vikings with Professor Clare Downham to try to uncover the truth behind one of the most mysterious a...
What did medieval minds truly believe about the cosmos, demons, and the hidden forces of the universe? Could ancient manuscripts still hold meaning, or danger, today? Matt Lewis delves into the world of medieval enchantment with historian Anne Lawrence-Mathers, author of The Magic Books . They discover how magic shaped decisions in royal courts, crept into monasteries, and influenced the balance of power across Europe. From forbidden knowledge to practical instruction, magical texts weren’t just...
Choosing a new Pope has always been a blend of the sacred, the political, and the downright theatrical. In the middle ages, the papal election was a high-stakes game, with powerful families and entire cities invested in the outcome and willing to pull strings to get their man into the job. Dr. Eleanor Janega takes a look at the medieval origins of the process of deciding the next Pontiff. She is joined by Jessica Wärnberg to look into the origins of the papal conclave, explore its medieval twist...
Professor David Carpenter joins Matt Lewis to reveal the often-overlooked significance of the 1225 Magna Carta, freely issued by the 17-year-old Henry III. They explore how this version, born from civil war and pragmatic negotiations, became the definitive legal document, shaping English law, establishing parliamentary power through taxation, and extending rights to various social strata. The discussion also debunks the popular misconception of the 1215 charter as *the* Magna Carta, attributing its current recognition to 18th-century legal scholarship.
Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Jeremiah Jenne to explore the incredible impact of the Mongol Empire on medieval history. From Marco Polo's travels, to the Mongol postal system and groundbreaking innovations such as paper money under the Pax Mongolica. The Mongols unified a vast territory, allowing for unprecedented cultural exchange and technological advancements leading to a unique era of stability and interconnectedness shaped the world far beyond the 13th and 14th centuries. More: Genghi...
The Battle of Crécy in 1346 saw an outnumbered English army under King Edward III win an unexpected and decisive victory that reshaped the Hundred Years’ War — and the future of Europe. But what if everything we thought we knew about the Battle of Crécy was wrong? Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Michael Livingston to peel back centuries of myth to uncover the real Crécy, the truth behind the battle’s location, its legendary longbowmen, and the five kings who played their part in this epic conf...
Dr. Eleanor Janega welcomes back Amy Jeffs, author of Saints: A New Legendary of Heroes, Humans, and Magic , to revel in the fascinating stories of spring saints, including England's patron saint St. George. Along the way they encounter that famous tale with the dragon, speaking corpses beneath St. Paul's Cathedral and Brendan the Voyager's epic adventures. They uncover the deep connections these legends have with medieval Christian thought and the creation of national and local mythologies. Mor...
What if one of the most iconic symbols of suffering and triumph in Christian history isn't what you think it is? Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. Faith Tibble to uncover the history and significance of the Crown of Thorns, exploring its Medieval - not ancient - origins, how this symbol evolved from a relic to a powerful icon of suffering and triumph and how kings used it to legitimise their rule by comparing themselves to Christ. They reveals the fascinating ways faith, art, and politics intertwined ...
