Weapons of the Vikings
Armed for Battle: The Iconic Weapons of the Vikings In the harsh light of archaeological evidence and the shadowy realm of Norse sagas, the…
Articles
The Varangian Guard: Elite Warriors of the Byzantine Empire
Elite Warriors of the Byzantine Empire In the annals of military history, few units have captured the imagination quite like the Varangian Guard. These…
Ethelred the Unready: A Reign of Misfortune and Misconceptions
A Reign of Misfortune and Misconceptions Ethelred II, infamously known as “the Unready,” reigned as King of England from 978 to 1013 and again…
The Foundation of Germany: Henry the Fowler’s Rise to Power
Henry the Fowler’s Rise to Power The early 10th century marked a pivotal moment in European history as the Carolingian dynasty’s grip on power…
The Norman Invasion of Ireland: The start of Britain’s Involvement in Ireland
The start of Britain’s Involvement in Ireland Background and Context The Norman invasion of Ireland in the late 12th century was a pivotal moment…
Harald Hardrada: The Last Great Viking Warrior-King
An Epic Life Harald Sigurdsson, better known as Harald Hardrada (“hard ruler”), stands as one of the most fascinating figures in Viking history. His…
Irene of Athens: The Empress Who Shaped Byzantine History
The Empress Who Shaped Byzantine History Early Life and Rise to Power Irene’s origins were humble by imperial standards. Born to a noble Greek…
Harald Bluetooth: The Viking King Who Forged Denmark Through Conquest
The Viking King Who Forged Denmark Through Conquest Harald Bluetooth, the 10th-century Danish king, is remembered not only for unifying Denmark but also for…
Saint Patrick: The Apostle of Ireland
The Apostle of Ireland Saint Patrick, widely revered as the patron saint of Ireland, led a remarkable life that transformed the religious and cultural…
King Æthelstan: The Forgotten Architect of England
In the annals of English history, few monarchs have left as indelible a mark as King Æthelstan, yet his name often fails to resonate…
The Norman Kingdoms of Southern Italy and Sicily
Origins of the Normans The Normans originated from the Viking settlers who arrived in the region of Normandy in the early 10th century. These…
Cultural Influence and Legacy | Daily Life in the Dark Ages | Education and Literature | Religions and Beliefs
The Ancient Irish Brehon Laws: A Sophisticated Legal System Ahead of Its Time
The Brehon laws of ancient Ireland stand as a testament to the rich cultural and legal heritage of the Emerald Isle. This sophisticated system…
Battles and Wars | Cultural Influence and Legacy | Empires and Kingdoms | Explorations and Migrations
The Germanic Invaders of England – 3. The Saxons
The Coming of the Saxons Traditional accounts, such as those provided by the 8th-century monk Bede, paint a dramatic picture of the Saxon arrival….
Cultural Influence and Legacy | Battles and Wars | Empires and Kingdoms | Explorations and Migrations | Weapons and Warfare
The Germanic Invaders of England – 2. The Angles
The story of the Angles and their invasion of Britain is a fascinating chapter in the history of England, marking the transition from post-Roman…
Battles and Wars | Cultural Influence and Legacy | Empires and Kingdoms | Explorations and Migrations
The Scotti: Ireland’s successful invaders of Britain
The earliest recorded use of the term “Scotti” can be found in the Nomina Provinciarum Omnium, a document dating back to around 312 AD….
The Book of Kells
Ireland’s light in the dark ages Origins and History The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New…