Was medieval Islamic Spain a tolerant paradise for Muslims, Christians, and Jews? This explainer unpacks the myth, the history, and why it still matters.
Medieval History
What If Medieval Moats Actually Worked Like In Movies?
Most medieval moats were just muddy ditches, not dragon-filled lakes. What if European lords had built the deep water moats we imagine? Here’s what changes.
Did Medieval People Know About Dinosaurs?
Medieval people dug up giant bones, told dragon stories, and read ancient texts. But did they know about dinosaurs? A historian traces what they really thought.
Armagnacs vs Burgundians: France’s Other Civil War
From the murder of Louis of Orléans in 1407 to the Treaty of Arras in 1435, the Armagnac–Burgundian civil war tore France apart and reshaped the Hundred Years’ War.
Should We Rebuild Medieval Castles? 5 Big Questions
From Rochester to Dover and Carcassonne, should medieval castles be restored or left as ruins? Five key questions that shaped modern conservation.
Did Medieval Armies Really Attack in Waves?
Writers love “waves” of attackers, but did medieval armies actually fight that way? A historian unpacks when wave attacks made sense and when they did not.
Was Anglo‑Saxon Britain Really Worse Than Roman Britain?
Was Anglo-Saxon Britain really worse than Roman Britain? Five hard differences in roads, cities, trade, law, and literacy that changed daily life.
Was Armor Considered Sexy in the Middle Ages?
Did medieval people think armor was sexy? How did knights and noblewomen actually view armed bodies, from tournaments to romances to real battlefields?
Agincourt vs Crécy: Why One Battle Won the Fame War
Agincourt and Crécy were major English victories in the Hundred Years’ War. So why is Agincourt far more famous today? A story of mud, myth, and memory.
What If Medieval Marginalia Were Secret Codes?
Medieval manuscripts are full of odd little creatures in the margins. What if those doodles were secret codes or social commentary? A grounded what-if.