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 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...
Crash Course
Japan in the Heian Period and Cultural History: Crash Course World History 227
When your class thinks of medieval history, they probably think of European castles and knights. But they may not know that the Heian period in Japan, which coincided with the Middle Ages in Europe, saw a significant development in...
TED-Ed
Why Babies in Medieval Paintings Look Like Ugly Old Men
Have you ever noticed that babies in paintings from the Middle Ages look a little...strange? Find out why with an informative and amusing video about the moment artists decided to make babies look cute again.
TED-Ed
Mansa Musa, One of the Wealthiest People Who Ever Lived
Discover the complex, rich legacy of fourteenth century African king Mansa Musa, who is said to have been one of the wealthiest individuals who has ever lived. Young historians will learn about trade routes between the Mediterranean and...
TED-Ed
The Wars That Inspired Game of Thrones
Discover how the power struggle between two noble families in the historical conflicts of the War of the Roses served as the basis for much of the drama in the hit series Game of Thrones. This animated video dissects shifts in...
Curated OER
Medieval Elf Drawing
Running out of ideas of things to draw? Why not try a small medieval elf! The young artist in this video demonstrates how to draw one of these interesting creatures.