Artifacts and Craft

The history and function of a medieval mace

The mistake most people make when visualizing a medieval mace—that it was merely an oversized, weighted club used indiscriminately like a blunt instrument in every skirmish—is ignoring its profound va…

The evolution of the medieval sword

For an overview of the sword's evolution—a narrative tracing changes in function, metallurgy, and form—I would choose the approach that focuses on the weapon’s relationship with institutional power st…

Exploring medieval musical instruments history

The primary difference between modern understandings of medieval musical instruments and what was actually performed centuries ago lies in our assumption that surviving notation accounts for the full …

Understanding the history of medieval armor

The history of medieval armor tracks a sophisticated evolution from simple protective padding to complex articulated metal suits designed for mobility and overwhelming defense, culminating most famous…

Medieval collectibles you should know about

If you find a ledger detailing the taxes paid in grain or labor from a small village near Trier—a document that dates back centuries but is kept in immaculate condition—you immediately understand the …