🌾Hunger Games: The Great Famine of 1315🌾

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The 14th century opened with a nightmare beginning a period called the Crisis of the Late Middle Ages, which lasted almost 200 years and was filled with famine, plague, religious schisms and wars, lots of wars. Sadly, it’s the beginning of the end for the medieval era.

After centuries of warmth, prosperity, and booming harvests, Europe plunged into a cold, wet catastrophe, the Great Famine of 1315. In this episode, you’ll learn about the end of the Medieval Warm Period and the disaster that began the Crisis of the Late Middle Ages.

The Great Famine of 1315–1317 was the beginning of the crisis and one of the most devastating in 14th century Medieval Europe, a harrowing event that killed millions and reshaped the fabric of society. From endless rain and rotting grain to livestock dying in the fields and desperate people turning to unthinkable acts, the famine reshaped Europe for generations.

We'll look at the medieval world before the famine, down the science, politics, and human stories behind one of medieval Europe's worst disasters. Learn how years of cold rain, crop failure, and desperation changed the course of European history. 

You'll hear firsthand accounts from chroniclers, discover the volcanic eruptions that may have triggered the cooling and ushered in the "Little Ice Age." Learn how years of relentless cold rain led to crop failures, the collapse of livestock populations, and mass starvation that reshaped Europe forever.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 🌾 How centuries of agricultural success led to a fragile, overpopulated Europe.

• 🌧️ How the endless rains of 1315 destroyed crops and livestock across the continent.

• 🧂 Why salt, vital for preserving meat, suddenly vanished, worsening starvation.

• 🕊️ How famine fueled crime, cannibalism, and the collapse of faith in the Church.

• 🌋 How volcanic eruptions from Indonesia to Iceland may have triggered the cooling.

• 🧙‍♂️ The real famine folklore behind the Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel.

• 💀 How the Great Famine killed over 25% of Europe’s population and set the stage for the Black Death.

The Great Famine of 1315–1317 marked the first great crisis of the Late Middle Ages. For three years, unrelenting rain, crop failure, disease, and starvation devastated Europe. It was the end of the Medieval Warm Period and the dawn of the Little Ice Age, a chilling prelude to the horrors of the Black Death three decades later.

Get all the links and see the bibliography in the show notes on Medieval Archives!

Grab a free copy of A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman

Other episodes to explore:
Ep. 42 - Medieval Diseases and “Cures”
Ep. 75 - Natural Disasters: Earthquakes that rocked the Middle Ages

• (00:17) - 14th Century or Bust!

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🎃Trick or Terror: The Halloween Candy Scare of the 1980s🍬

⭐This is a Bonus episode from Dragon Moon Media. We have launched another 'Archives' podcast, this one focusing on the late 20th century. If you have no interest in 20th century history you could skip this episode.

However, I say give it a chance. You never know what new knowledge you may gain from listening. After all we're talking about poison candy, apples with razor blades and canceling Halloween. I hope you listen and enjoy the episode. ⭐
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Halloween night, 1980s, the streets were full of ghosts, goblins, clowns and one unshakable fear: poisoned candy. If you were a kid in the '70s and ’80s you remember it, your parents inspecting every piece of candy bar and throwing out the homemade treats.

Did apples contain hidden razor blades? Was candy laced with poison? Was there really anything to fear?  Discover how Ronald "The Candyman" O'Bryan and the Tylenol Murders turned a fun night of trick or treating into a nationwide fear of candy.

Join us as we unwrap the truth behind the myths that terrified parents, filled headlines, and became one of America’s most enduring urban legends.

Read the 1970 New York Times article that started it all.

Get all the links and see all the Dear Abby and Ann Landers articles in the show notes on Gen X Archives!

Check out our partner site The Retro Network for more great retro content! 

• (00:06) - Welcome to the premiere episode!

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🎃Tales of Medieval Revenge by Edgar Allan Poe🎃

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On this Medieval Archives Halloween Special we're listening to two tales of revenge by the the master of gothic horror, Edgar Allan Poe.

This isn't the first time Poe has made an appearance on Medieval Archive. I love Poe's work, one of my favorite stories is "The Tell-Tale Heart." It's not medieval but it is fantastic. On past Halloween episodes we featured The Masque of the Red Death and The Pit and the Pendulum.

The two stories on this episode are "Hop-Frog" and "The Cask of Amontillado." "Hop-Frog" focuses on Hop Frog, a court jester who is constantly humiliated by the king and his men. When the King demands Hop Frog create a unique custom for a masquerade ball Hop Frog devises a terrible plan for revenge.

The story takes inspiration from the Ball of the Burning Men in 14th century France during the reign of King Charles the Mad. If you listened to episode 31 of the podcast you might know where the story of Hop Frog is going. If not, you're in for a nice tale of revenge.

The Cask of Amontillado is another tale of revenge. While not specifically medieval it is close the the middle ages and the entire story takes place in creepy medieval catacombs under an Italian palazzo.

Montresor opens the story by stating he has suffered a "thousand injuries" and a final, unforgivable insult from his acquaintance, Fortunato. It leads to  Montresor plotting his revenge to teach Fortunato a lesson.

Get all the links and see the bibliography in the show notes on Medieval Archives!

Grab a free copy of The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe

Other episodes mentioned:
Ep. 31 - Mad Monarchs of the Middle Ages
Ep. 77 - The Masque of the Red Death
Ep. 69 - The Pit and the Pendulum

Listen to all the Medieval Halloween Episodes!

• (00:08) - Welcome to Medievel Archives 🎃Halloween Special

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🇫🇷 John the Fearless and the Bloody Fight for France 🇫🇷

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                                                           John the Fearless (1371-1419)

14th century France was in utter turmoil, torn apart by an insane king,  multiple assassinations, a failed Crusade, a brutal civil war, and a new, devastating phase of the Hundred Years' War. The country was on the brink of collapse.

At the center of it all stood one man: John the Fearless, a prince of the blood with a legitimate claim to the throne, a crusader who battled the Turks in the Balkans, and a powerful duke who shaped the destiny of an entire nation.

John earned his name 'the Fearless' at the Battle of Nicopolis fighting the Ottoman Turks. Sultan Bayezid I gave him the name after witnessing John's fierce nature in battle. John was captured at Nicopolis and remained a prisoner for two years.

After returning to France and becoming the Duke of Burgundy he looked to expand his power and influence, ultimately assassinating the Duke of Orleans leading to the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War.

John the Fearless' story is a wild tale of ambition, betrayal, and bloodshed. So, get ready to explore a pivotal chapter of French history.

Get all the links and see the bibliography in the show notes on Medieval Archives!

Grab a free copy of A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous Fourteenth Century by Barbara W. Tuchman

Other episodes mentioned:
Ep. 31 - Mad Monarchs of the Middle Ages
Ep. 44 - The Battle of Agincourt (1415)

• (00:00) - Welcom to Medieval Archives

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🇻🇦The Papal Conclave🇻🇦

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Pope Francis died on 21 Apr 2025 starting a process established in the Middle Ages.

Learn all about the Medieval origins of the Papal Conclave and watch as it unfolds in modern Italy during the Papal Conclave of 2025.

Once a Pope dies the Vatican enters a period called Sede Vacante, (Vacant Seat). Then the process of the Papal Conclave is started. Pope Gregory X issued the Papal bull Ubi periculum maius intenditur (Where greater danger lies) in 1274 which established the Papal Conclave.

Popes after Gregory rescinded the papal conclave and elections took months and years to complete.

The last pope elected outside the Papal Conclave process was Pope Celestine V in 1294. Celestine reinstated Gregory's papal bull and the papal conclave. Celestine's successor, Boniface VIII was elected through the Papal Conclave process as has every Pope since.

There have been modifications over the centuries but the core process remains the same.

Listen in to learn the Medieval origins of the papal conclave, how the conclave and voting process works. Who takes the oath of secrecy, why a popes change their names and what does the smoke mean?

Get all the links and see all the pictures in the show notes on Medieval Archives!

Grab a free copy of Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich.

• (00:00) - Bells Toll for Pope Francis

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• Become a proud producer: Support the show that keeps medieval history alive! Visit https://MedievalArchives.com/support for details or donate now via PayPal, or use Venmo or donate with Stripe
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Copyright © 2025 · Dragon Moon Media
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Executive Producer:
⭐Helle Hagenau

🏹 Robin Hood 🏹 in the Movies

The story of Robin Hood is over 600 years old. An Outlaw from English folklore and a hero to the people, Robin Hood has inspired countless poems, books and movies.

Robin Hood first appeared in the poem Piers Plowman, written around 1377. His band of Merry Men, Will Scarlett, Little John and Much the Miller’s son, began to appear in the 15th century.

Friar Tuck first appeared in the 1450 story titled Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The 1475 tale Robin Hood and Guy of Gisbourne introduce Gisbourne as a friend of the Sheriff and one of Robin’s arch enemies. Maid Marian appeared in the tales by the 16th century.

The legend of Robin Hood as we know it today is credited to two men in the 19th century Sir Walter Scott and Howard Pyle.

It's unclear if Robin was and actual person but there are a couple of good candidates. A man called Roger Godberd and a man called Robin Hood of York.

Real or not, Robin Hood is a folk hero for the ages and Hollywood always loves a folk hero. We are going to look at the Top 10 Robin Hood movies to hit the silver screen. We won't be looking at made-for-TV movies, or TV series, only Robin Hood movies released in theaters.

Join along as we countdown the 10 best Robin hood movies of the last century. Then let me know if you agree or disagree with my list.

Is your Top 10 different than mine? Let me know your Top 10 list by sending an email to [email protected] Or tell me your favorites by calling in to the Medieval Archives hotline at +1 720.722.1066

Get all the links and see all the pictures in the show notes on Medieval Archives!

🎞️Watch all the movie trailers🎞️

• (00:00) - Robin Hood: Prince of Movies

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Executive Producer:
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A day trip to Canterbury is a a popular choice for tourists visiting England and London and for good reason, it's a great city!

During our European vacation in the Summer of 2024 we had a free day and decided to take a modern day pilgrimage to Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral. We decided not to walk the Pilgrim's Way though, instead traveling by train to Canterbury.

There were learning lessons for the kids (even on summer break), pubs for the adults and lots of medieval history!

It was a jammed packed day but we still found time to relax and take in all the sights and sounds.

We take a walk around Canterbury visiting the medieval sights and other sights. The entire family had a great time in Canterbury. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

From the medieval city walls and gatehouse, to Buttermarket Square and the glorious cathedral that draws thousands of visitors ever year, Canterbury is a great day trip and if you have more time you should plan to spend 2-3 days exploring the city.

Other Episodes mentioned:

• Episode 80: John Hawkwood
• Episode 73: The Miller's Tale
• Episode 1: St. Thomas Becket

Grab your copy of The Canterbury Tales!

Get all the links and see all the pictures in the show notes on Medieval Archives!

• (00:00) - Welcome to the Medieval Archives

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Thank You to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports the show. We appreciate you taking the time to listen to each episode. Share it with your friends!

Copyright © 2025 · Dragon Moon Media
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 It's time for our 🎃Halloween🎃 episode! This year we are looking at...

The Devil's Bible

Codex Gigas "Giant book" lives up to it’s name measuring over 3 feet long, 2 feet wide, 9 inches thick, over 300 fully illuminated pages and weighing in at 170 pounds!

Legend has it the book was written in one night, by a single monk condemned to death, who sold his soul to the Devil to complete the work. As a gift to the devil the monk put a two foot illustration of the devil in the book.

The unknown origins and the picture of the devil give the book its more common name, The Devil’s Bible.

Did the devil have a hand in it? Did the monk really sell his soul? And why was the monk condemned to death?

Learn about Jan Hus and the Hussite Wars on episode 56

See the Devil's Bible at the National Library of Sweden 🇸🇪 website: https://www.kb.se/in-english/the-codex-gigas.html

Get all the links and see all the pictures in the show notes on Medieval Archives!

• (00:00) - Welcome to the Medieval Archives Podcast

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Copyright © 2024 · Dragon Moon Media
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Have you ever seen an eclipse? I’ve seen numerous lunar eclipses and I’ve seen a few partial solar eclipse, but never a total solar eclipse. On 08 April 2024, Mexico, the United States and Canada will experience a total solar eclipse. It’s the first one in 7 years and the last one for 20 years. The next total solar eclipse in North America will be in 2044.

Europe won’t be in the path of the 2024 eclipse but, if you live in Europe you won’t have to wait long for a total eclipse. There’s one on the way soon.

In modern times we know what is happening. How did medieval people feel about an eclipse. Was it seen as a bad omen or a curse? Or did they understand the science behind it?

In this episode we'll look at the myths, omens and science of eclipses and the medieval era .

• (00:00) - Medieval Archives 90

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Medieval Tales Podcast is a Medieval Archives & Dragon Moon Media production. 

Medievalist and Art Historian Dr. Amy Jeffs joins the show to discuss her books  Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain and Wild: Tales from Early Medieval Britain

In Amy’s first book, Storyland she examines the origins of Britain from Noah’s flood to the Norman invasion. And there are some good stories to tell, including the incredible story of Albina, who ruled Britain, was seduced by demons and gave birth to a race of giants.

In her second book titled Wild takes you on a journey from desolation to hope. Through seven chapters of insightful reflection she is able to retell stories from medieval texts with vivid descriptions and unique perspectives.

One of the standout elements of both books are the illustrations which Amy created. Listen to the episode to find out how she created them and how the creation process helped her through the lock-down, quarantine we all dealt with.

You can find Amy Jeffs online at: Twitter/X & Instagram

You can buy Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain and Wild: Tales from Early Medieval Britain on Amazon.

• (00:08) - Welcome to another episode

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