All Blogposts
The Birth of Western Astrology: A Short Story
The priest of Bel Marduk Berossus only taught astrology to the Greeks around 280 B.C. when he dedicated his Babyloniaca to King Antiochus I Soter. By then, the Classical era of the Greek city states was long gone. Though Berossus first taught astrology to the Greeks within the boundaries of the Seleucid Empire, it quickly…
A Crash Course on Medieval Tournaments
Tournaments followed the chivalric code of war! Indeed, jousts and tournaments were nothing like modern sporting events. They were true exercises of warfare during peace times more than anything else. It was a way to make war without declaring it.
The Success Story of the Fleur-de-Lys in Medieval Heraldry
Welcome to our class of Heraldry 101, young Padawan. I’m glad you made it on time. Today, we’ll discuss why the kings of France preferred a flower over, say, some powerful predator like the lion or the bear. I mean, isn’t it weird? And even weirded when you think that Charles VI chose winged deer…
How to Torture People in the Middle Ages?
Torture came into fashion in the 13th century for very specific reasons. Namely, the (re)discovery of Roman law and its implementation by the Church. The 1215 Latran council recognised that trials by ordeals were a thing from the past and that since they were rational and modern beings, it was time to move on.
Did Medieval Towns Have Gardens and Yards?
People of the Middle Ages enjoyed having a garden as much as we do today, if not even more. They had no TV nor printing press to distract them. Spending some time in the yard after a long day of work was quite the release. Friars were invited to have a gentle stroll in their…
How Do Historians Evaluate the Thruth of a Claim?
Historians don’t state facts randomly. They don’t fabricate them either. They follow what we call the Historical Method, or Quellenkritik, or Critique historique.
Age of Empires 2 | Joan of Arc. 3, The Cleansing of the Loire (The Battle of Patay, 1429)| Historical Account, Tips and Guide
Following the siege of Orléans, the battle of Patay is the next installment of the Age of Empires 2 Joan of Arc campaign. Read my guide and full historical review of the scenario!
How to Identify the Knights of the Round Table in Medieval Manuscripts
Aristocrat “fanboys” from the late 15th century actually came up with coats of arms for each and every knight of the Round Table. In several manuscripts, those coats of arms were used to identify them within miniatures.
Marginalia. Best of Horae ad usum Parisiensem (“Grandes Heures du duc de Berry”)
The manuscript known as Horae ad usum Parisiensem originally belonged to John, Duke of Berry. It was made during the first decade of the 15th century. It contains numerous marginalia illuminations, all intriguing, silly or absurd, that are heavily drawn from previous 14th century manuscripts.
What is a “Frontispiece” in a Medieval Manuscript?
A frontispiece in a medieval manuscript is a fully illuminated folio that is found at the beginning of the text it contains.
It is worth noting that lavishly illuminated manuscripts count several frontispieces. In that case they are found at the beginning of every main section of the text.
Medieval Memes #7: Covid-19 Special Edition
A short series of medieval memes to reflect on the covid-19 pandemic and its consequences.
How to Find Turtles in Medieval Manuscripts Online
This video will introduce you to animal “hunting” in medieval manuscripts: how do you find illuminations of turtles (or any other animals) beyond Google and Pinterest?
Joan of Arc’s Charisma
People took Joan of Arc seriously because they believed in magic and miracles. She was only human though, but that’s what makes her story even more fascinating.
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