Medieval Royal Bastards

St Benedict

Jul 7, 20261h 6mSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Dr. Eleanor Janega welcomes Professor Tim Larson to explore the life and legacy of St. Benedict, the foundational figure of Western monasticism. The discussion centers on Benedict’s rejection of the corruption and vanity of fifth-century Rome, choosing instead a life of simplicity, prayer, and labor. The conversation highlights key moments in Benedict’s early life, such as his first miracle—mending a broken household sieve—which serves as a metaphor for his belief that holiness is found in compassion and attention to the ordinary rather than grand gestures. The hosts analyze the transition from Benedict’s early attempts at extreme, isolated hermeticism to the moderate, sustainable community model defined in his Rule. A central theme is the importance of stability and the requirement for monks to engage in manual labor, dismantling the class distinctions of the time. The episode also examines the influence of Benedict’s twin sister, Scholastica, and considers the political climate of post-imperial Europe that likely fueled his desire for order. Through stories of attempted assassinations and monastic leadership, the hosts provide a compelling portrait of a man who famously chose goodness over the Roman path of ambition.

King Stephen

Jul 3, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Carl Watkins to reassess the reign and reputation of King Stephen of England. Often dismissed by history as an ineffective or weak leader, Stephen is examined here through a more nuanced lens. The discussion begins with the 1120 White Ship disaster, a pivotal moment of tragedy and potential providence that removed Henry I’s heir and set the stage for the succession crisis that would define Stephen’s life. The conversation explores Stephen’s rise to power in 1135, highlighting his ability to capitalize on political instability and his strategic use of his royal lineage. Professor Watkins sheds light on the complex web of aristocratic alliances and the role of contemporary chroniclers, whose polarized accounts—some favoring Stephen, others Matilda—complicate our modern understanding. A central theme of the episode is Stephen’s struggle to transition from a prominent nobleman to an undisputed monarch. While Stephen possessed recognized military capability and flashes of decisiveness, he frequently appeared unable to elevate himself above his peers, struggling with the limitations of 12th-century military technology and the difficulty of holding the ring against an ambitious, warring nobility.

Deadly Rivalry: Armagnac vs. Burgundy

Jun 30, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Dr. Eleanor Janega and historian Justine Firnhaber-Baker explore the brutal and complex civil war that tore France apart during the early 15th century. The discussion centers on the violent rivalry between the Burgundians, led by the Dukes of Burgundy, and the Armagnacs, centered around the House of Orleans. The conflict, which fundamentally weakened France during the Hundred Years War, was ignited by the shocking 1407 assassination of Louis, Duke of Orleans, by his cousin, John the Fearless, the Duke of Burgundy. The hosts examine how this act of kin-slaying plunged the kingdom into decades of chaos, characterized by shifting alliances, ruthless propaganda, and brutal street violence in Paris. The episode highlights how this internal instability paved the way for Henry V’s English forces to achieve their victory at the Battle of Agincourt. By analyzing the political maneuvering, the role of public opinion in Paris, and the eventual impact of the conflict on the French monarchy, the conversation offers a fascinating look at how personal vendettas and dynastic greed can destabilize an entire nation during one of history's most tumultuous eras.

A Complete History of Medieval Scotland

Jun 26, 202651 minSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Murray Pittick, author of The Shortest History of Scotland, to undertake an ambitious survey of Scotland’s medieval evolution. The discussion traces the nation’s transformation from a collection of diverse, early medieval tribes—including the Picts, Gaels, and Britons—into a distinct and resilient kingdom. The conversation explores how external pressures, such as Viking incursions and the growing influence of the Anglo-Saxon realm to the south, acted as catalysts for political consolidation. A key focus is the complex, evolving relationship between the Scottish crown and the church, starting with the influence of St. Columba and moving toward the administrative developments under David I. The hosts examine the persistent, and often risky, geopolitical ambitions of Scottish monarchs who frequently sought to exert influence over northern England. The episode also highlights the strategic significance of the "Auld Alliance" with France and the eventual conflicts of the Wars of Independence. By analyzing these centuries of flux, the guests provide insight into how Scotland forged a unique national identity, defined its borders, and asserted its independence against the formidable power of its southern neighbor.

The Seljuk Turks

Jun 19, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis is joined by historian Dr. Nicholas Morton to explore the rise and impact of the Seljuk Turks during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The discussion examines how these nomadic horsemen transformed the political landscape of the Middle East, carving out an empire that stretched from the Indian Ocean to the Black Sea. The episode addresses the persistent mystery surrounding the migration of these nomadic groups, considering factors like climate change and the need for new grazing lands. Dr. Morton highlights the unique military prowess of the Seljuk Turks, noting that their light cavalry and expert horsemanship made them a formidable force against traditional agricultural societies. The conversation also debunks common misconceptions about the period, emphasizing that the era was defined by complex, fluid alliances rather than a simple binary of Christians versus Muslims. By tracing the Seljuk expansion, the fall of the Byzantine forces at Manzikert, and the geopolitical rivalries involving the Fatimid and Abbasid Caliphates, the episode provides a nuanced look at the volatile environment that shaped the medieval world and set the stage for the arrival of the First Crusade.

Rise of The Plantagenets

Jun 16, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosts Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis explore the dramatic rise of the Plantagenet dynasty, focusing on the extraordinary life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the origins of her powerful, often-turbulent family. The discussion delves into the captivating medieval legends surrounding the Angevin line, specifically the persistent rumors that their bloodline was cursed and linked to the devil, a narrative that King Richard the Lionheart himself reportedly referenced to explain the frequent conflicts between family members. The hosts share insights from their travels in the South of France, providing a vivid picture of Poitiers, the heart of Eleanor’s upbringing. They examine the realities of her early life as a wealthy, well-educated noblewoman who was never intended to be a ruler, and how she unexpectedly rose to become the Duchess of Aquitaine. The conversation highlights her unique historical standing as a woman who served as both Queen of France and Queen of England. By analyzing her ill-fated marriage to King Louis VII and their shared experiences during the Crusades, the episode offers a compelling look at the political complexities and personal tensions that shaped the medieval power landscape.

The Queer Court of William Rufus

Jun 12, 202648 minSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Tom Licence to examine the controversial reign of King William II of England, commonly known as William Rufus. Ruling from 1087 to 1100, Rufus was the son of William the Conqueror and is often characterized as a transgressive monarch who defied the conventional expectations of medieval kingship. The discussion highlights the friction between Rufus and the church, specifically his tumultuous relationship with Archbishop Anselm. Central to the episode is an exploration of the king’s court, which contemporary ecclesiastical writers described in scandalous terms. Clerics such as Eadmer of Canterbury recorded their horror at the appearance and behavior of the young men at court, who were noted for their long hair, mincing gait, and flirtatious manner. The guests analyze these historical accounts, noting that medieval chroniclers often utilized classical Latin vocabulary to frame the court as a hub of male homosexuality and gender non-conformity. The episode provides a fascinating look at how religious historians attempted to navigate and sometimes suppress these narratives, ultimately painting a complex picture of a king who challenged the social and moral order of his time.

Hildegard of Bingen - Prophetess, Composer, Mystic

Jun 9, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Dr. Eleanor Janega and guest Dr. Heta House explore the extraordinary life of Hildegard of Bingen, one of the most influential and multifaceted figures of the twelfth century. The discussion tracks her journey from a young girl gifted to the church as an oblate to a celebrated mystic, composer, and leader who wielded significant authority within the medieval church. The hosts delve into Hildegard’s lifelong experiences with divine visions, which she described as intense, waking encounters with cosmic light and truth. They examine how she transitioned from concealing these visions to sharing them under papal sanction, ultimately gaining the attention of Popes and emperors who sought her counsel. A central focus of the episode is Hildegard’s struggle for autonomy; the conversation highlights her bold move to establish her own convent at Rupertsberg, a feat achieved despite stiff resistance from her superiors. By framing her life through her intellect, leadership, and connection to the natural world, the episode paints a portrait of a woman who defied the limitations of her time to become a formidable historical force.

The Black Death: A Global Apocalypse?

Jun 5, 20261h 0mSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Matt Lewis welcomes historian Thomas Asbridge to discuss his latest work, The Black Death: A Global History. The conversation challenges the common Eurocentric perspective of the 14th-century pandemic, emphasizing that to truly understand such a transformative era, one must examine the crisis through a global lens. Asbridge explains that while traditional historical narratives have often relied on localized chronicles, modern interdisciplinary research—incorporating archaeology, genetic analysis, and a broader range of archival records—provides a more nuanced view of the catastrophe. The discussion highlights that the plague did not impact every region in the same way. For instance, while Western societies often viewed the pestilence through the prism of sin and divine punishment, the Mamluk Empire held distinct theological interpretations, viewing death from the plague as a form of martyrdom, which fundamentally shaped social behavior and responses during the outbreak. The episode also explores the medieval medical struggle to comprehend the illness, noting that while treatments like the opium-based theriac offered little beyond pain relief, physicians of the time were keenly observing and documenting symptoms with surprising sophistication, attempting to make sense of an unprecedented global horror.

Seeking Sanctuary

Jun 2, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of Gone Medieval, host Dr. Eleanor Janega explores the complex history of sanctuary in late medieval England, using a dramatic 1394 tavern murder in London as a starting point. When Herman Stockfish killed Nicholas Clarebont and successfully sought refuge in Westminster Abbey to evade royal justice, he highlighted a system where sacred space intersected with political and legal power. Dr. Janega is joined by Professor Shannon McSheeffrey, author of Seeking Sanctuary, to unpack how the concept of the church as a violence-free zone evolved. While sanctuary originated from Christian ideals of nonviolence and mediation to prevent blood feuds, it eventually became integrated into England’s sophisticated bureaucratic and royal legal systems. The discussion reveals how institutions like Westminster Abbey cleverly navigated royal authority to offer protection not just to criminals, but increasingly to debtors. By leveraging claims of immunity, ancient charters, and the necessity of mercy, these religious houses carved out spheres of influence that challenged the reach of the King’s law. The episode offers a fascinating look at how religious spaces were manipulated to serve economic and jurisdictional interests in a changing medieval world.