How did the Roman Empire lose the West? Learn about upstart Goths, disloyal Lombard and insolent Franks - all working with and against a court in Constantinople that was waging war on many, many fronts.
Read MoreThe Two-Emperors Problem (1): Will The Real Roman Emperor Please Stand Up?
Byzantine emperor Justinian II lost both his crown and his nose, but staged a spectacular comeback to put himself back on the throne.
Read MoreThe Greatest Comeback in Byzantine History: Justinian II
The very first caliph sent his star general Khalid ibn al-Walid - the "Sword of God" - to conquer Byzantine Syria, but the great city of Damascus stood in his way.
Read MoreThe Sword of God In Action: Khalid ibn al-Walid In Syria
Olga of Kiev became ruler of the Rus' because her husband was killed in an uprising. She started her reign with a savage campaign against the rebels.
Read MoreThe Revenge of Kiev: How Saint Olga Brutalized the Drevlians
The third estate was the economic engine of the Middle Ages: most of its members worked the land, but through guilds, some grew into a burgeoning 'burgher' class.
Read MoreThe Three Estates (3): The ‘Laboratores’ – Working hard, or hardly working?
Thought COVID was bad? People living through 536 experienced the worst time ever to be alive: volcanic eruptions, sudden climate change, and the first plague.
Read MoreWorst Year Ever: 536 CE – “When The Sun Lost Its Wonted Light”
The 'bellatores', or "those who fight", were the second estate of medieval society. Through sheer military power, they imposed their will on the wider population.
Read MoreThe Three Estates (2): The ‘Bellatores’ – Might Makes Right
European medieval society knew three estates. The clergy, or the 'oratores', were the first. Its members focused on spiritual matters, but could be found advising worldly lords as well.
Read MoreThe Three Estates (1): The ‘Oratores’ – Faith, Law & Order
What's more medieval than a castle? The era's most distinctive icon is firmly imprinted in our modern minds, but castles actually went through many interesting innovations!
Read MoreStones & Crowns: The Medieval Reporter’s Guide to Castles!
