Gone Medieval

St Benedict

Abandoning Roman status for the simple life, St. Benedict forged a path of prayer, labor, and community.

King Stephen

Was King Stephen a bumbling failure, or a capable leader unfairly maligned by history and military misfortune?

Deadly Rivalry: Armagnac vs. Burgundy

A brutal noble assassination plunges fifteenth-century France into a bloody civil war that paved the way for England.

A Complete History of Medieval Scotland

Trace the evolution of Scotland from fragmented Pictish and Gaelic kingdoms into a unified medieval European power.

Medieval Royal Bastards

Discover how medieval royal bastards defied their status to become powerful warriors, bishops, and dynastic threats.

The Seljuk Turks

The arrival of the Seljuk Turks in the eleventh century fundamentally reshaped the medieval Middle Eastern landscape.

Rise of The Plantagenets

Discover the origins of the powerful Plantagenet dynasty, from cursed demon ancestors to the rise of King Richard I.

The Queer Court of William Rufus

William Rufus defied medieval norms with a court celebrated for its open homosexuality and gender-defying fashion.

Hildegard of Bingen - Prophetess, Composer, Mystic

Hildegard of Bingen rose from a cloistered life to become a visionary powerhouse who challenged kings and popes.

The Black Death: A Global Apocalypse?

Move beyond the European narrative to uncover the devastating global impact and human reality of the Black Death.

Seeking Sanctuary

Explore how sanctuary evolved from a medieval life-saving refuge into a complex legal tool for the wealthy.

The First Troubadours

William the Ninth of Aquitaine pioneered the troubadour tradition by transforming his life into scandalous, lyrical art.

Foolish Medieval Fatalities

From latrines collapsing under nobles to fatal feasting, explore the most bizarre and absurd deaths of the Middle Ages.

Fatimid Dynasty: Descendants of Prophet Muhammad

The Fatimids challenged the Islamic world by claiming divine lineage from the Prophet Muhammad to build an empire.

The Merovingian Dynasty: France's First Kings

The Merovingians were the brutal, long-haired warrior kings who founded France and conquered Rome's crumbling ruins.

The Betrayal of Thomas Becket

In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosts Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis explore the dramatic life and brutal death of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury whose conflict with King Henry II remains one of history’s most famous power struggles. The discussion begins with Becket’s rapid ascent to prominence and examines the deteriorating friendship that ultimately led to his shocking murder within the cathedral walls. Joined by Professor Michael Staunton, the hosts peel back the layers of Becket’s personality to determine if his tragic fate was truly inevitable or a result of shifting political tides. Listeners will also gain insight into the aftermath of the assassination and how the subsequent cult of St. Thomas spread rapidly across medieval Europe. This episode offers a gripping look at a defining moment in religious and royal history, unraveling the enigma of a man who became an enduring martyr.

What Are the Late Medieval Ages?

In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega examine the tumultuous era of the late Middle Ages. Through a deep dive into the 14th and 15th centuries, the discussion covers the profound instability that defined the period, including the devastating impact of the Great Famine, the Little Ice Age, and the Black Death. The hosts analyze how these catastrophes, paired with peasant uprisings, papal schisms, and the deposition of monarchs, fundamentally shook the social, political, and religious structures of Europe. Beyond these events, the conversation explores the academic distinctions between the high and late Middle Ages and questions whether such conventional historical labels remain useful when considering a global perspective. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking analysis of how these centuries of crisis redefined the medieval world and shaped the trajectory of European history.

The Women Who Ruled Medieval Burgundy, and Europe

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Dr. Eleanor Janega welcomes guest Susan Abernethy to explore the remarkable influence of the Duchesses of Burgundy during the Middle Ages. Far from being sidelined figures, these powerful women were central to the political landscape of Europe, brokering strategic marriages, managing vast territories, and exerting influence over kings and emperors alike. The discussion shifts the historical lens to focus on the sophisticated Burgundian court, revealing how these women navigated and often mastered the cutthroat world of medieval power dynamics. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the lives of these formidable leaders, illustrating their essential role in shaping the history of a region known for its wealth and complexity. It is an insightful look at the true extent of female authority in a period often dominated by narratives of male warlords.

A Complete History of Medieval Ireland

In this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega and guest James Hawes provide a sweeping overview of a thousand years of Irish history. The discussion begins with the transformative mission of St. Patrick, tracing his journey from a kidnapped youth to the religious figure who forever altered the cultural landscape of the island. The hosts guide listeners through a turbulent era defined by the rise of clashing warlords, the arrival of raiding Vikings, and the development of fortified coastal towns. This narrative journey captures the spirit of Gaelic resilience while exploring the significance of monastic life and the era’s most pivotal turning points. The episode culminates in a detailed look at the thunderous Battle of Clontarf, offering listeners a compelling exploration of the power struggles and societal shifts that shaped medieval Ireland.

1066 New Discovery: The Myth of Harold's March

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis welcomes Professor Tom Licence to challenge one of the most enduring narratives of English history. The discussion centers on the legendary account of King Harold Godwinson, who is traditionally said to have marched his troops 200 miles across the country before facing the Normans at the Battle of Hastings. Professor Licence presents groundbreaking research suggesting that this grueling forced march may be entirely mythical. Instead of an exhausted army, listeners learn about a far more sophisticated and organized Anglo-Saxon military strategy than previously recognized. By questioning how Harold truly reached the battlefield, this episode invites listeners to rethink the logistical capabilities of the era and offers a fresh, provocative perspective on the events that shaped the Norman Conquest. It is an essential listen for anyone interested in the tactical realities behind medieval historical legends.