Medieval Era Stories

Have you ever wondered what the medieval era was actually like? Aside from our culture's stereotypical impression of court jesters performing, knights saving damsels in distress, and kings and queens garbed in the fanciest regalia, of course. These stories look at what the historical records tell us about the medieval era: the religious wars, the torture methods ulilized as common punishments, revolts against class inequality, and more fascinating tidbits about what life was really like for people in those distant centuries.

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Joan of England Was an Early Victim of the Black Death

Not yet familiar with the plague, her entourage underestimated its severity.

How the Black Death Led to the Peasants' Revolt

England’s 1381 uprising was fueled by unrest in the aftermath of a pandemic.

How Trota of Salerno, 12th-Century Female Gynecologist, Disappeared from History

The historical reputation of Trota through the years shows how the mores of a current society can restrict contemporary understanding of a figure from the past.

10 Must-Read Books About the Crusades

The Crusades, although the most defining conflicts of the medieval era, are often misunderstood. These books illuminate their true nature.

Genghis Khan's Tomb, Lost to This Day, is Protected by an Ancient Tribe of Nomads

Though even they don't know the tomb's precise location, the Darkhad continue to keep their leader's final resting place a treasured secret.

The Dirty Truth of Medieval Knighthood

Being a knight wasn't really about wooing fair maidens or grand quests—it was hard, dirty work.

What Does The World Health Organization Actually Do?

Created in the wake of WWII, WHO has changed the world many times over.

See the World's Most Beautiful Churches from the Safety of Your Home

From Iceland to Ethopia, these stunning structures are must-sees for theists and agnostics alike.

Can A Pandemic Turn The Tide Of War?

History has proven the power of unchecked disease many times before.

Explore History's Deadliest Diseases

Thanks to the advances of modern medicine, coronavirus shouldn't join their ranks.

Vlad the Impaler: The Bloodthirsty Truth Behind Dracula’s Namesake

Vlad III Dracula's reign looks monstrously cruel to today's eyes, but he was revered by his people.

A Single Viking's Berserker Rage Changed World History Forever

His combative stance was the final stand of the Viking Age—and allowed the Norman invasion its foothold.

25 World History Books That Will Give You a New Perspective

Expand your horizons with books that explore the places, people, and objects that shaped human history.

8 Facts About Genghis Khan That May Surprise You

The leader of the Mongol Empire caused great change across the world.

10 Epic Medieval Battles That Shaped History and the World's Borders

Medieval battle was a bloody, vicious business. These battles changed the course of history.

10 Illuminating Medieval History Books

Journey through time to Europe's Middle Ages.