Being a Medieval Executioner Was a Family Profession – And Not By Choice
We’ve all seen medieval executioners in movies and cartoons: the oversized man carrying a large axe, masked with a hood, who brought death to the…
The Evolution of Guédelon Castle – A 13th-Century Castle In the Modern Era
In east-central France, just a two-hour drive south of Paris, a structure is being built that’s unlike any other. Guédelon Castle is, as its name…
Shipboard Cannon Found Off Swedish Coast Believed to Be Oldest In Europe
In a study published in the journal The Mariner’s Mirror, a team of researchers has revealed the discovery of what’s believed to be the oldest…
The Subtle Philosophy Behind Staircases In Medieval Castles
Castles were a common architectural structure throughout the medieval period, and they were constantly under attack. Just looking at them, one could describe these fortifications…
The True Story Behind ‘Medieval’ and Legendary Bohemian Commander Jan Žižka
The 2022 film, Medieval, the most expensive Czech movie ever made at $23 million USD, tells the tale of Jan Žižka, the famed Bohemian commander who…
Long-Lost Burial Site of Harald Bluetooth, Legendary Christian King of Vikings, Found in Polish Village
The burial site for the Viking king whose name inspired that of modern Bluetooth wireless technology has likely been uncovered in the Polish village of…
Winged Hussars: The Rise and Fall of Europe’s ‘Angels of Death’
For two centuries, the elaborate winged uniforms and menacing battle tactics of the Polish hussars dominated the battlefield. Coming across the winged hussars must have…
From the Scythians to Russia: The Use of Scorched Earth Tactics in War
Scorched earth tactics have been used nearly as long as armies have conducted military campaigns. While the practice is less common in modern times, it…
Lethal Weapons: 5 of the Most Effective Man-Killing Tools in History
Weapons are simply an extension of the capabilities of the human body. In practice, though, they have been extremely expensive and complex, with quite literally…
These 4 Weapons Created For Combat Were Cheap But Ingenious Game Changers
Sometimes, no matter how tactically adept a military force may be, if an opponent suddenly shows up with a particularly advanced or capable weapon, it…
16th Century Rocket Cats: Brilliant Warfare Tactic Or Terrible Idea?
The Medieval era is known for its unique takes on just about everything. From strange hygiene habits to medical practices, it was certainly a different…
Swiss Pikemen: The Most Fearsome Medieval Mercenaries
One of the most formidable military infantries from the Middle Ages was the Swiss pikemen. Despite being a small contingent with little in the way…