During Medieval times stocks and pillories were employed as forms of punishment , the experience for those confined in them was far from pleasant. Stocks, restraining the feet, and pillories, which...
This exceptional piece of armor at the New York Met defies conventional expectations. Rather than a tool for battle, it takes on the role of ceremonial attire, drawing inspiration from the fashion...
In the realm of modern carpentry , where power tools often reign supreme, Christophe, a skilled French-Canadian Carpenter, embarks on a unique challenge. He's part of a team constructing Guédelon...
Within the realm of 15th-century French artistry , the Belles Heures emerges as a striking showcase of the Limbourg Brothers' talents. This exquisitely crafted manuscript, commissioned by Jean de...
Thirty years ago, a dowser identified lines of stones beneath a harvested field outside the village of Ancrum, in the Scottish Borders. Now, a team of archaeologists and students from around the...
In the era between 1096 and 1271, the Crusades unfolded as a dynamic clash of cultures, reshaping two continents. Yet, life for a medieval Crusader was far from uniform. Noble knights and commoners...
In medieval art, depictions of babies are far from the cherubic, innocent infants we imagine today. Instead, they appear as miniature adults, complete with mature features that can be quite...
Situated approximately 30 miles from Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, a captivating alpine lake graces the landscape. Lake Bled, adorned with a picturesque cliff-side castle , offers a serene ambiance...
Nestled within the heart of central Spain lies the Alcázar of Segovia , an architectural marvel that has captured the imagination of generations. This extraordinary castle , perched atop a rocky crag...
Nestled amid the German landscape, Eltz Castle stands as a unique symbol of time's passage. Owned by the Eltz family since 1157, this ancestral residence boasts a rich history that spans over eight...
During restoration and conservation work taking place at historic Johnstown Castle in the city of Wexford, Ireland, a carpenter repairing a window inadvertently broke through a wall behind which was...
Mont Saint-Michel , a captivating Gothic-styled Benedictine Abbey , stands gracefully amidst the ever-changing tides of Normandy and Brittany. Once on solid ground in ancient times, it now rests as a...
Amidst the serene village of Amanbaev in the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan, a momentous discovery has come to light which has been dubbed the Kyrgyzstan saber. This ancient military saber sword boasts a...
Most folk have experienced the holistic satisfaction that comes after a good old bowl of stew, on a cold winter’s nights. However, this story tips traditional stew conventions on their head, as it’s...
In the picturesque region of Alsace, France, a remarkable discovery has unfolded as the oldest castle in the area resurfaces from the earth! Dating back to the 9th century, and originally established...
Trebuchets and medieval longbows were both iconic weapons of warfare during the medieval period, each possessing unique characteristics and playing vital roles on the battlefield. Trebuchets were...
Life as a medieval knight was physically demanding, shaped by rigorous training, protective armor , and formidable weapons. The path to becoming a knight began at a young age, with training...
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Armor Conservation Lab houses an intriguing collection of armored gauntlets . Among them is an early 16th-century German mitten-style gauntlet, impressively weighty...
Contrary to popular belief, medieval attitudes towards sex were often far from puritanical. Surviving sources, largely influenced by the Catholic Church, give a skewed impression of the era. In...
Medieval hoods were commonly worn across social classes, providing warmth and practicality. A distinguishing feature was the addition of a woolen cape , offering extra insulation. When the hood was...
Medieval dental hygiene debunked the misconception of poor oral health . Contrary to popular belief, our ancestors prioritized tooth care and believed that diseases could be spread through bad breath...
In medieval times , hand cleanliness was essential after a day of manual labor. While wiping hands on the ground was a common practice, water was the primary cleansing agent. However, water alone...
A seemingly ordinary cannon purchased for a mere £20 ($25) from a flea market in Hertfordshire, England, and repurposed as a decorative piece for a garden rockery has turned out to be a valuable...
The picturesque town of Granadilla, located in Spain , carries a captivating tale of abandonment and longing. With its roots tracing back to the 9th Century AD, this medieval gem thrived for...