Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 15: Matilda vs. Mathilda
Mathilda, Queen Consort, resorted to warfare in an effort to retain control of the throne for Stephen. Londoners had been promised trade routes and prosperity under King Stephen, so they did Mathilda's bidding. This led to Robert of...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 7: A Fight for the Throne
King Henry I died suddenly. Because he and Matilda were estranged at the time, she was not at her father's bedside on his last days, which caused many to question her right to the throne. Her cousin, Stephen of Blois and Duke of...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 4: The Young Queen Copes with Loss
Matilda began settling into her role as a ruler in Italy during her husband's absence. But she soon had to deal with the deaths of her mother, younger brother, husband, and the loss of her role as Queen of Germany. Because she never had...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 3: "Coronation" of Holy Roman Empress
Though Matilda and Heinrich received warm welcomes from some as they worked to gain control of Italy, not all, including Pope Pascat II in Rome, were quite as happy. This led to Matilda being crowned as Holy Roman Empress in symbol only.
60 Second Histories
People in a Medieval castle; the constable
This video explores the many people that live and work in a medieval castle, like the marshal, the estate steward, blacksmith farrier and carter.
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 11: England's Civil War
England became divided between those who supported King Stephen, those who supported Empress Matilda, and those who wouldn't pick a side.
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 6: Countess of Anjou
Matilda reluctantly married Geoffrey of Anjou. He was much younger than Matilda and their marriage got off to a rocky start. However, at King Henry I's urging, they eventually reconciled and went on to have three sons. Although the King...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 1: Childhood
Empress Matilda was the oldest child of King Henry I of England. While it was assumed that her younger brother William would inherit the throne, Matilda was well-educated during her childhood, learning many languages and focusing on...
Curated Video
Mansa Musa part 2: the Famous Hajj
Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca is the most famous story of the ruler and the main source of information about him. He traveled with a large entourage of slaves and lots of gold to display the power and wealth of the Mali Empire to the...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 2: Coronation and Marriage
Matilda was crowned as Queen of Germany at just eight years old. While Heinrich was in Italy, capturing and improsing leaders of the church, Matilda was sent away to learn the language and customs of those she was meant to rule. At the...
Curated Video
Empress Matilda part 14: Demeanor Unbecoming a Female
As Matilda begins her rule of England, many called found her to be arrogant and abrasive, qualities that would normally be seen as an asset in a male ruler. It was this apparent arrogance that led Bishop Henry to leave her court and plot...
Weird History
The Dangers of Medieval Armor
Chain mail and suits of armor were some of the most recognizable parts of medieval warfare. Created in response to swordplay, the dominant form of combat at the time, they've become somewhat legendary for their striking appearance on the...
History Hub
What was the Battle of Sandwich?
An introduction to the Battle of Sandwich in 1217 and the First Barons' War
60 Second Histories
Heavyweight crossbow
A medieval bowman describes the more powerful heavyweight crossbow which uses a complex windlass mechanism to load it.
60 Second Histories
The Magna Carta - part 3 - What happened after the Magna Carta was signed
Part three of the Magna Carta explains how King John tried to renege on the terms which eventually led to the First Barons War
60 Second Histories
The Magna Carta - part 2
Part two of the Magna Carta describes the basic principles of the Magna Carta, the clauses within it and how it forms the basis of our laws today.
60 Second Histories
The Magna Carta - part 1
Part one of the Magna Carta explains how William Marshal, first Earl of Pembroke, rode to Runnymede in 1215 to witness King John sign the Magna Carta and explains why the Magna Carta was needed
60 Second Histories
Medieval arrowheads
A medieval archers explains the many types of arrowheads and their uses such as the broadhead with its barbs and the incendiary or fire arrow
Crash Course
Get Outside and Have a (Mystery) Play: Crash Course Theater #10
In the Middle Ages, theater left the church of moved outside to a secular stage. An interesting video describes the transition from pulpit to public venue, discussing common plot lines and other aspects of medieval drama. Animated...
TED-Ed
The Princess Who Rewrote History
Byzantine princess Anna Komnene took the motto, “If you want it done right, do it yourself,” to heart, penning a 500-page history of her father’s reign. Her tales of Byzantine Emperor Alexios’s reign attempt to balance truth with family...
Crash Course
Cathedrals and Universities: Crash Course History of Science #11
How are so many medieval buildings still standing today? And, how did ancient builders learn such skills? Discover the amazing feats of medieval engineers with part 11 in a 15-installment History of Science series. The narrator describes...
Macat
An Introduction to Ernst Kantorowicz's The Kings Two Bodies
Long live the king! A video summary of The King's Two Bodies by Ernst Kantorowicz discusses political theology during the medieval period and how body politics could survive the body natural. The video uses illustrations and clear...
Macat
An Introduction to Keith Thomas’ Religion and the Decline Of Magic
Do you believe in magic? Scholars, through the use of a short video clip, investigate the use of magic in the medieval time period as a way to solve problems. They read Keith Thomas' Religion and the Decline of Magic and they analyze how...