Medieval history Archives

13th-century encounter points way to greater Christian-Muslim understanding

Nov 10, 2019

Eight centuries ago, St. Francis of Assisi took a risk when he crossed the battlefield between Crusader and Muslim forces near Damietta, Egypt, desiring to meet Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil and preach his faith in Jesus Christ.

By Dennis Sadowski

Battle of Bosworth Field turning point in English, and Catholic, history

Aug 16, 2019

This weekend, the people of Leicestershire will commemorate the August 22, 1485 Battle of Bosworth Field, in which King Richard III was killed, leading to the crowning of Henry Tudor as King Henry VII of England.

By Charles Collins

Medieval reform proposals can help current abuse crisis, historian says

Aug 1, 2018

A radical program of reform addressing the widespread problem of abusive clergy and negligent superiors in the 11th century holds some essential insights and lessons for the Church today, a Church historian has said.

By Carol Glatz

Celebrating a medieval ‘Miracle of Amsterdam’ in city better known for its vices

Apr 7, 2018

On March 15, 1345, a priest administered the last rites to a dying man, who lived on an Amsterdam street called Kalverstraat. The sick man vomited the Communion host, which, per custom, was cast into a fire. The next morning, however, the sacrament was intact, untouched by the flames like Moses’ burning bush. It was preserved as a sacred relic, which attracted pilgrims.

By Menachem Wecker

How the dead danced with the living in medieval society

Oct 31, 2017

Dance of Death (Danse Macabre) murals typically depicted decaying corpses dancing amid representative figures of late medieval society, ranked highest to lowest: A pope, an emperor, a bishop, a king, a cardinal, a knight and down to a beggar, all ambling diffidently toward their mortal end while the corpses frolic with lithe movements and gestures.

By Ashby Kinch

What the devil? Spaniards clang bells in religious festival

Feb 4, 2017

Members of the town’s all-male religious brotherhood dress up in what they consider devil-type characters, donning colorful jumpsuits and red miter hats. Almost every male in the village, from boys up to the elderly, then take part in processions through the twisting village streets.

By Joseph Wilson