The Medieval Cosmos

The Medieval Cosmos

Author: Weird Medieval Guys December 6, 2024 Duration: 1:18:38

This week, we're getting in our medieval spaceship and travelling through the medieval cosmos to find out just what medieval people thought about all of that space. We'll discuss some correct ideas they had, plenty of incorrect ones, and also how to use medieval astrology to make sure your medieval horse is in peak physical condition.

For more on some of what we discuss, check out:

Make sure to join the Weird Medieval Guys official Discord server! https://discord.gg/ZwHz5JDKky


Ever wondered what people in the Middle Ages actually talked about over a pint, or what bizarre details lurk in the margins of illuminated manuscripts? Weird Medieval Guys digs into all that and more, hosted by Olivia-the mind behind the popular online presence-and Aran, a historian with a keen eye for the odd. Together, they sift through centuries of history, art, and primary sources not to recount the grand, familiar narratives, but to uncover the strange, hilarious, and profoundly human stories that usually get left out of the textbooks. Each episode feels like a conversation with two deeply knowledgeable friends who can’t wait to tell you about the monk who drew a fighting snail in his prayer book, or the surprisingly complex social rules of medieval beekeeping. This isn’t a dry lecture; it’s an exploration of the everyday weirdness that defined an entire era, from peculiar fashion choices and questionable medical remedies to the lives of figures who were, by any measure, absolute characters. Tune in for a consistently surprising and deeply researched look at the past, where the focus is always on the details that make history feel alive, relatable, and endlessly fascinating. You’ll come away from this podcast with a new appreciation for the Middle Ages, one wonderfully weird guy at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

Weird Medieval Guys
Podcast Episodes
Why was football banned 30 times in medieval England? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:46
The European football championships have kicked off, so it's time to talk sports! Join Olivia and Aran as they crack open a cold one or several and take a look at the long history of football in Europe, as well as the al…
The Holy Roman Empire: holy, Roman, AND an empire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:17
It's time to get continental because on this episode of the Weird Medieval Guys podcast, we're heading to the Holy Roman Empire! When Voltaire famously said that the Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, Roman, nor an empi…
What to do if you get time travelled to the Middle Ages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57:33
Oh no! You've become unstuck in time and now you're in 15th century England with no idea what to do or how to avoid a miserable life as a social pariah who speaks an unrecognisable language and is ignorant to the rules a…
Vikings in the Arctic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:58
It's grim up north...Why did a five-hundred-year-old Viking colony in Greenland suddenly disappear, with no trace or record? In this episode, Olivia, Aran, and local archaeologist Joe Mason assemble to try and solve one…
Why the Middle Ages ended in 19th century Japan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:15
Yes, you heard us right!! Join Olivia and Aran as they defend their most dubious claim to date, which is definitely not just an excuse to step beyond our usual remit and talk about the wild, delightful world that was Edo…
Medieval Welsh bards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:30
Journey across space and time with Olivia and Aran this week as we head to medieval Wales, home of one of history's finest bardic traditions. But what was a bard, what did they do, and why did Wales have so darn many of…
Weird medieval animal facts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:27
Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo... Spring is just around the corner in the northern hemisphere, so it's time to learn some animal facts! Turns out, medieval people had all sorts of strange beliefs about…
How to design your medieval coat of arms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:49
Anyone who's anyone in the Middle Ages needs their own coat of arms, but it's not as simple as just throwing some snazzy shapes and cool animals on a shield and calling it a day. Join Olivia and Aran as they walk you thr…
Medieval Feminism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:05
Weird Medieval Guys is back! And it's gone woke!!!!!!We all know medieval women didn't have it so good. Endlessly discriminated against in law, demeaned in culture and ignored in the histories. So, did anyone take issue…
Constantinople part II: The sultan of Rome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:17
The year is 1453 and the Ottomans are at the gates of the great city of Constantinople. For centuries, they have been laying siege to this city; for centuries their efforts have failed. But this time, everything is going…