Gone Medieval

The dynamics in everyday life in the Medieval period may seem drastically different compared to how we live today. From traditions, gender, power, and religion, advancements in the present seem rapid. But do we have more in common with those of the past than we realise? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Cat is joined by Elizebeth Boyle. Elizebeth is a historian and author who specialises in the intellectual, literary, and religious culture of Britain and Ireland, with a particular focus on Ireland from the seventh to twelfth centuries. We study the past, comparing experiences, individual and personal stories, to see if we can learn from those who have resided before us.

Elizebeth Boyle is author of ‘Fierce Appetites: Loving, losing and living to excess in my present and in the writings of the past’, published by Sandycove.

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It's hard to imagine the familiar places around you disappearing forever. But all across Britain, there are once inhabited towns and buildings that disappeared under the sea, were decimated by plagues, or simply abandoned - leaving no trace of their existence. With discussions of the horrors of climate change, young archaeologists buying entire fields on a hunch, and hidden medieval wine cellars along the south coast, the lost history of Britain is slowly uncovered. On this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by Matthew Green to discuss this fascinating phenomenon as featured in his new book, Shadowlands: a Journey Through Lost Britain'.

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Assassin's Creed: Valhalla has brought the Viking Age to life in stunning detail, and now the game is even being used as an educational tool!

Maxime Durand is World-Design Director at Ubisoft and the mind behind the hit franchise's Discovery Tour, which is a fun way to learn about history in the game's virtual world. Our very own Dr Cat Jarman acted as a historical consultant for the game, making sure it was as accurate as possible. In this episode she sits down with Maxime to discuss the value of historical gaming as an educator as well as a form of entertainment.

AC: Valhalla's latest update 'Dawn of Ragnarok' dropped just last week and is available on all major platforms!

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How would you rule an early medieval dynasty? Maybe you'll send your spymaster to dig around for secrets or champion honestly to keep stress levels down. Remembering with every decision made consequences could have a ripple effect on entire medieval worlds; for generations to come. Crusader King III is an immersive grand strategy role-playing game, allowing you to rule from the comfort of your sofa. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by Alexander Oltner, Game Director at Paradox Games for Crusader King III. With a new extension pack Royal Courts, we explore the unique RPG and its history-driven gameplay.

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We've all heard epic tales of early medieval kings, but what about the queens? It doesn't get much more spectacularly brutal than Brunhild and Fredegund, two sixth century queens who fought a bloody civil war against one another that lasted no less than four decades.

The rival matriarchs commanded armies, developed taxation policies, established infrastructure and negotiated with emperors and popes... yet their story has been largely forgotten, until now. In this episode for International Women's Day, host, Dr Cat Jarman is joined by award-winning poet and writer Shelley Puhak, whose new book The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World tells this gripping tale of power, ambition and murderous rivalry in early medieval France.

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24th of February 2022 marked the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This episode of Gone Medieval looks at the origins of its capital city, Kyiv, and how today it has become central to this ongoing conflict. Host Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. Olenka Pevny from the University of Cambridge. Together, they discuss the emergence of the Rus people, the consequences of the Mongols' arrival into the region - and ultimately how this period of medieval history has influenced eastern European relationships and the modern day geopolitical stability of eastern Europe.

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The historic cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk may well be familiar to listeners to Gone Medieval - perhaps from our episode 'Saint Edmuntd: England's Lost King' or the town’s mention during our hunt for the 'Viking Great Heathen Army' on Dan Snow's History Hit. In its heyday, Bury St Edmunds served as a significant and life-changing place of pilgrimage. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Cat is on location, exploring Bury St Edmunds’ landmarks, including what was one of the richest and largest Benedictine monasteries in England. She’s joined by archaeologist Adrian Tindall, Chair of the Bury St Edmunds Association of Registered Tour Guides.

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1066 is a year carved into the history of western Europe. It radically transformed the cultural, political and built landscape of England in a way that is hard to overstate - and yet its immediate aftermath is often forgotten. By Domesday, just 20 years later, around 94 percent of England's land remained in the hands of the Normans and their allies, and their children would inherit its vast majority.

So what became of those Anglo-Saxons who were too young to fight in 1066? In this episode Matt is joined by Dr Eleanor Parker, author of the fascinating new book Conquered: The Last Children of Anglo-Saxon England, to find out more about the fates, fortunes and misfortunes of those last people born and raised in pre-conquest England.

Eleanor's book is available on Amazon here.

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Charlemagne is labelled by many as the most ambitious ruler in Europe prior to Napoleon - but what do we really know about him? A 46 year long rule beginning at the end of the 8th Century, responsible for a cultural and intellectual renaissance - what can we learn from the sources about Charlemagne and his own personal history? This week Cat is joined by Rosamond McKitterick to discuss Charlemagne's life, legacy, and shine some light on one of the most influential rules in European history.

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Throughout Medieval history, figures like Joan of Arc, Henry VIII, and William the Conqueror are commonly forefront when many think of the middle ages. However, some important figures and families are a mystery, and The Warenne Earls of Surrey are no exception. In this episode, Matt is joined by historian and author Sharon Bennett Connolly to focus on one of the richest dynasties in the world to date. From their extensive family tree, wealthy origins, and abrupt end, we explore the history of this influential family.

Defenders of the Norman Crown: Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey, book by Sharon Bennett Connolly

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