Medieval History » Medieval People
The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England
I have just finished The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer. As far as history books go on this topic, this book is nothing short of amazing. Mortimer pieces together historical evidence to paint a unique picture of the 14th century not seen before. The book goes into many facets of history that are commonly left out. What did it smell like outside and inside a town? … Read entire article »
Filed under: Medieval People
Faded, Coiled Snake Appears in Portrait of Queen Elizabeth
The slowly deteriorating portrait has revealed a faint outline of a coiled snake in the hand of the Queen. The snake, which was once covered up and replaced with roses, is now visible. The image of a serpent has been known to symbolize prudence, judgment, and wisdom. However, given the religious fervor of the times, it could also easily have been seen to represent Original Sin, or the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Telegraph.co.uk reports, … Read entire article »
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Medieval French Statues Mourn in New York (Updated)
37 small mourner statues from Dijon, France, have left their home and are now being showcased at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. “The 15th century alabaster statues — considered treasures of Medieval Europe — have never before left the city of Dijon, where they march perpetually around the base of the tomb of John the Fearless and his wife Margaret of Bavaria.” John the Fearless, also known as John II, Duke of Burgundy, or John of … Read entire article »
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Medieval Medicine
Evidence found at the ancient Soutra Hospital site, in Scotland, suggests the medieval Augustine monks also knew how to amputate limbs, fashion surgical instruments, induce birth, stop scurvy and even create hangover cures. One of the exciting finds was of the abundance of hemlock in the drains. Scientists think the monks had used this as a painkiller before carrying out amputations. Disease and death were a very real part of daily life in the medieval world. It is … Read entire article »
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Edward, the Black Prince
My previous post on the War of the Roses made me want to go a little further back in time, so I chose to do a little more research on Edward Prince of Wales or, more recently, “‘The Black Prince.” I have to sorrowfully admit it was the catchy name that, well, caught my attention. Much to my disappointment, however, it is highly unlikely that Edward was ever referred to as The Black Prince during his lifetime. The … Read entire article »
Filed under: Medieval History, Medieval People, War of the Roses