Category: Middle Ages
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Genetic proof: Remains of Richard III are really his
Genetic evidence proof that the human remain found beneath a parking lot in Leicester last year really belonged to Richard III. According to the genetic analysis, the king had blue eyes and blond hair, characteristics that match contemporary portraits of the 15th century monarch. The skeleton’s genetic material was compared to DNA-samples of two living…
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Rare early medieval coin treasure found in the Netherlands
A large number of early medieval coins were found last Thurday in Utrecht, Netherlands. The coins date back to the late 7th century. A turbulent era, wherein the dominion over the region changed hands from the Franks to the Frisians several times. The golden and silver coins date back to an era of Frisian rule…
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1,400 year old Saxon burial found in Haddenham, England
During the construction of a residential area within the village of Haddenham an early Saxon burial (6th century AD) was uncovered. Archaeologists found nine burials in total, with plenty of grave goods. Both men and women were buried here. Their religious background seems a bit mysterious, as the grave goods (like a decorative shield, a…
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Carolingian church discovered in Germany
German archaeologists have found the remains of Germany’s second oldest church within the Mainz-cathedral (picture). This roman cathedral itself is already 1,000 years old, but the even older remains date back 1,200 years. Deacon AndreasKlodt said this on a press-conference last Tuesday. This newly found cathedral is the only one in Germany that was built during the Carolingian age. It…
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The forgotten culture of Eurasian warriors
The Polovtsians or Cumans roamed through Eastern Europe for centuries and left many statues, but they are mostly forgotten today. They originated from the heartland of China, near the Yellow River, and lead a nomadic lifestyle. Gradually migrating westwards, they entered Europe in the 11th century, clashing with the Kiev Rus on many occasions. As the Mongols invaded Eastern Europe…
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Charlemagne was indeed large for its age: 1.84 meters.
The bones of the former emperor of the Franks and the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne or Charles the Great, proof that the ‘founder of Europe’ was a large man. Contemporary sources already mentioned that Charles the Great, who died 1200 years ago on the 28th of january 814 was extraordanary large for his day. His…
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Archaeologists unveil gaming culture of 7th century Anglo-Saxons
An extremely rare gaming piece is dug up at an early medieval royal complex at Lyminge, Kent. The piece was used for a game that’s similar to backgammon. Archaeologists discovered the piece in what was probably it’s original ‘gaming setting’, namely an Anglo-Saxon royal hall. Anglo-Saxons loved games. Their strong gaming tradition is reflected in…