Chronicle Medieval History

Dan Cruickshank explores the secrets of the bridges that have made London what it is. Along the way, he uncovers stories of the sublime ambition of London's bridge builders. Dan Cruickshank explores the mysteries and secrets of the bridges that have made London what it is.

The French army, confident and well-prepared with over 30,000 troops, faced a smaller, sick, and exhausted English force of 6,000 in the Battle of Agincourt. The historical significance of the longbow, tracing its origins to the Battle of Hastings, played a crucial role in English victories at Crecy and Poitiers. The Battle of Agincourt in 1415 saw Henry V's disciplined English forces, though outnumbered, utilizing longbowmen effectively to achieve a decisive victory, solidifying the longbow's reputation as a formidable weapon.

Medieval foodie Clarissa Dickson Wright tracks down Britain's oldest known cookbook, King Richard II's 700-year-old scroll "The Forme of Cury", and compares its contents with the way we eat today, as well as re-creating some of the dishes for a group of food and medieval history experts. The king's kitchens were highly organized, with up to 300 staff working in various roles, and the cookbook reflects the culinary techniques and terminology of the time. Some of the recipes, such as a luxurious sweet and sour fish dish and pears poached in red wine, highlight the use of exotic spices and ingredients in medieval English cooking.

Born in 1452 in Vinci, Tuscany, Leonardo da Vinci was a Renaissance polymath known for his diverse talents, including painting, sculpture, science, engineering, and a deep curiosity about the world. Leonardo challenged prevailing scientific notions, making groundbreaking contributions to anatomy, including sectional anatomy of limbs and studies of the heart. Leonardo's art and scientific studies were inseparable; he believed drawing was an extension of creative thought. His architectural vision emphasized spatial sculpture, impacting the architectural practices of his time. Leonardo's legacy includes innovative designs for machinery, military applications, and transportation. His unique approach to science and art defines him as a true genius of the Renaissance.

King Alfred of Wessex faced a crisis in 878 AD when a mounted force of Danes crossed into Wessex, catching him defenseless as his army had been disbanded for Christmas. Defeat and Resilience: Despite the initial defeat, King Alfred was not finished. Alfred vowed to return victorious, earning the nickname "Alfred the Great" for his qualities of restraint, loyalty, generosity, chastity, and continence.

Galileo was born in 1564 in Pisa during the Renaissance. In 1609, Galileo invented a telescope with 30x magnification, allowing him to make groundbreaking astronomical observations. His discoveries included the moons of Jupiter and evidence supporting a moving Earth, challenging the geocentric view. As Galileo became more open about his heliocentric views, he faced opposition from the church. The Pope's Inquisition found him "vehemently suspect of heresy" and forced him to recant his views to avoid torture. Galileo died under house arrest, leaving a legacy as a key figure in the Scientific Revolution and a proponent of the union of natural philosophy and mathematics.

This is the chilling tale of the Gunpowder Plot. In Westminster in 1605, a group of Catholic conspirators, led by charismatic Robert Catesby, hatched a daring plan to assassinate the King, Queen, and Parliament members by igniting 36 barrels of gunpowder beneath the British Parliament. The dramatic events unfolded as Guy Fawkes, a Catholic soldier, was caught red-handed. We will delve into the historical intrigue, betrayal, and subsequent arrest and trial of the conspirators.

From the mysterious disappearance of King Louis in 1216 to the rise of young Henry III, the story of the English throne contains a thousand years of drama, betrayal, and bloodshed. This captivating drama will explore key historical events, including Queen Isabella's rebellion and Edward III's strategic maneuvers during the Black Death, leading to the resolution of the Wars of the Roses with Henry Tudor's ascent to the throne.

In April 1066, Haley's Comet caused panic across Europe. Many feared the world was ending. Within six months, two powerful monarchs in Western Europe were slain, leading to William the Conqueror's rise in England and the end of the Anglo-Saxon way of life. William's rule in England involved building castles, suppressing rebellions, and implementing the Domesday Book in 1085 for a thorough land survey. William's remorseful reflections on his actions in England as expressed in later accounts.

Time Team archaeologists have dug up the best preserved medieval village in Britain. The distinctive grass-covered remains of the deserted medieval village of Ulnaby are a landmark in the Durham countryside, and although they've been photographed, surveyed, and written about, they've never been dug. What can Ulnaby and other lost villages like it tell us about normal life in Medieval Britain?

The Great Plague of London caused widespread devastation. The streets were filled with carcasses waiting for burial and the agonizing cries of the dying echoed in the streets.

The Honjo Masamune is the most renowned and legendary samurai sword in Japanese history. Crafted by the master swordsmith Goro Nyudo Masamune, it is regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese sword craftsmanship. It played a notable role in Japanese feudal society, being passed down through generations of rulers and warriors. Its ownership often symbolized authority and prestige. However, the Honjo Masamune's fate became uncertain after World War II. Like many other Japanese swords, it was surrendered to the Allied forces during the post-war period. Despite efforts to preserve such swords as cultural artifacts, the Honjo Masamune's whereabouts remain unknown. The sword's disappearance adds to its mystique, fueling speculation and intrigue among historians and collectors.

In 1278, a monumental battle occurred between Rudolph of Habsburg, the new German King, and Ottokar II, the Bohemian King of the Přemyslid dynasty, in Eastern Austria. The conflict between Rudolph and Ottokar had been building for five years, representing a final showdown between two powerful rulers who could not coexist. Rudolph's victory marked a turning point in European power dynamics, establishing the Habsburgs as a dominant dynasty with lasting political impact, particularly in Central Europe. Despite the enormous scale of the battle, few traces have been found, but archaeologists hope modern technology will unveil more details.

The Viking Berserkers were legendary warriors known for their drug-fueled frenzy and prowess in battle. Berserkers were elite Viking warriors believed to possess supernatural abilities, fueled by psychoactive substances. The raid on Lindisfarne in 793 marks the beginning of the Viking Age, with Vikings targeting vulnerable, wealthy targets like monasteries and villages. . Despite their fearsome reputation, Berserkers were eventually outlawed due to their extreme violence, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards such behavior.

King Arthur, Britain's iconic monarch and leader of the Knights of the Round Table, remains a captivating figure, symbolizing honor and courage. His tales, including wielding the mighty Excalibur and questing for the Holy Grail, continue to captivate audiences. Historical Mystery: Despite King Arthur's fame, historical evidence regarding his existence remains elusive, particularly as the Dark Ages offer few concrete records. The legend of King Arthur's death, taken to Avalon for healing, adds to the mystery surrounding his final resting place.

The Eagle Warriors were elite shock troops of the Aztec empire, known for their ruthless tactics and dedication to warfare. The Aztecs were skilled warriors, trained from infancy for battle. Their society was militarized, and they used unconventional tactics such as capturing prisoners for sacrifice rather than solely aiming to kill in battle. Central to Aztec religious beliefs, human sacrifice was conducted on a massive scale to appease the gods. The Eagle Warriors, equipped with obsidian-tipped weapons, specialized in capturing enemies alive for sacrifice. They were the elite forces of the Aztec army.

Ivan the Terrible, the first Tsar of Russia, was known for his cruelty and sadism, but legend suggests he possessed a secret library hidden beneath the Kremlin, containing priceless ancient literature.

Feudal Japan's Shadow Warriors, the ninja, were unconventional warfare experts, specializing in deception, ambush, infiltration, assassination, and espionage. Despite facing overwhelming odds and the wrath of feudal overlords, the ninja's ingenuity and resilience lead to unexpected victories and alliances, shaping the course of Japanese history.

France's leading forensic pathologist, Philippe Charlier, delves into the mystery of Saint Joan of Arc's remains, which were supposedly discovered in 1867 after being lost for centuries. Charlier, known as the "Indiana Jones of graveyards," approaches the investigation like a medical case, viewing the bones as patients rather than archaeological artifacts. The relics, including bones and a textile fragment, spark debate over their authenticity, with some believing them to be a hoax. Through various scientific methods including DNA analysis, CT scanning, and chemical analysis, Shaler attempts to determine if the remains truly belong to Joan of Arc.

The Varangian Guard were brutal Viking mercenaries serving the Byzantine Empire. Renowned for their brutality and loyalty, they became the elite fighting unit of the Emperor Basil II, tasked with suppressing revolts and protecting the Emperor. They are the prime example of military brutality in the dark ages.

In the 16th century, the Inca Empire faced Spanish conquistadors and fled deep into the jungles of Peru, where they built a last stronghold called Vilcabamba. American explorer Hiram Bingham, driven by a desire for fame, sought to uncover the lost city of Vilcabamba.

The Real Assassin's Creed: Deadliest Special Forces Of The Dark Ages | Ancient Black Ops

Is there any truth to the legend of King Arthur? Archaeologist Leslie Alcock, a charismatic figure, led an excavation in the 1960s in Somerset, aiming to prove Camelot's existence. Despite challenges and doubts from academics, Alcock's team discovered evidence of fortifications at Cadbury Hill, suggesting a Dark Age castle. While Alcock's work faced criticism, his legacy includes advancing understanding of Dark Age Britain and inspiring future archaeologists.

The team investigate King Edward III's Queenborough Castle at the mouth of the Thames, the last medieval royal palace. They explore whether the castle's purpose was defence, or to protect the royals from the plague.