December 25th, 1066: William the Conqueror's coronation erupted in chaos as Norman soldiers set fire to London, thinking their duke was being assassinated. Merry Christmas.

Medieval Christmas wasn't about peace on earth. It was about power, strategy, and violence barely contained by sacred tradition. Discover why Christmas was the most dangerous time of the medieval year.

Discover Medieval Christmas Warfare:

• How the Church's Truce of God tried and failed to stop Christmas warfare
• Why kings chose Christmas Day for coronations and sieges
• When Christmas became the perfect time for assassination
• How William the Conqueror's Christmas coronation sparked riots
• Why Count Joselin lost Edessa by leaving for Christmas celebration
• What happened when Puritans banned Christmas in 1644
• How Christmas truces were honored and betrayed throughout medieval Europe

Through the eyes of kings, knights, and soldiers, witness how Christmas became a strategic chess game where sacred peace and brutal warfare collided. From Charlemagne's imperial coronation to the murder of Thomas Becket, discover the tension between Christmas as holy day and Christmas as opportunity.

Episode Duration: 60 minutes
Host: Monte Schumacher - Medieval historian & castle restoration expert

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• Website: SavingCastles.com
• YouTube: @SavingCastles
• Instagram: @saving_castles

About Saving History: Epic medieval tales revealing Europe's hidden past. 50,000+ monthly listeners. New episodes monthly.

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