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…
Cultural Influence and Legacy
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…
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…
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…
Alfred the Great: The King Who Saved England
In the annals of English history, few figures loom as large as Alfred the Great. Born in 849 AD, Alfred would go on to…
The Legend of King Arthur
Origins and Historical Context The origins of the Arthurian legend are shrouded in mystery, blending historical fragments with mythical embellishments. While it’s uncertain whether…
Beowulf: An Epic Tale of Heroism, Monsters, and Anglo-Saxon Culture
The Origins and Significance of Beowulf Beowulf, the oldest surviving epic poem in Old English literature, stands as a monumental work (consisting of 3,182…
Battles and Wars | Cultural Influence and Legacy | Empires and Kingdoms | Explorations and Migrations
The Germanic Invaders of England – 1. The Jutes
The story of the Jutes in Britain is an often overlooked chapter in the island’s early Dark Age history. While the Angles and Saxons…
The Muslim Conquest of the Iberian peninsula
The Prelude: A World in Flux The Iberian Peninsula, prior to the Muslim invasion, was under the control of the Visigothic Kingdom. The Visigoths,…
Anglo-Saxon Culture in Britain
Not simply a warrior society The End of Roman Britain As the 5th century dawned, Roman control over Britain was waning. The last Roman…
Why the Dark Ages weren’t so dark
Despite its name, the Dark Ages were not entirely dark and saw significant cultural and technological developments. The term “Dark Ages” originated with the…