Medieval people up in arms

Issue 4 of Medieval World: Culture & Conflict looks at how people fought for and protected their towns and communities in the Middle Ages!

The cover features a stained glass of ca. 1500 that was once part of the armorial panels in the council chamber at Baden, executed by Lukas Zeiner. © Basel Historical Museum

Displayed in a public setting, such panels were intended to convey political unity. This example shows two shield bearers on either side of a central scheme consisting of the coat of arms of Zug, the Holy Roman Empire, and then the German crown at the top. At the top, the Zug banners complement the coat of arms; one bears an image of the local patron saint, Oswald.

The theme-related articles in the current issue include:

• Regula Schmid Keeling, “Citizens in Arms: An Urban Take on Medieval Armies”
• Elena Magli, “The Night Watch: Night-Time Quiet in the Medieval Town”
• Justine Firnhaber-Baker, “Commoners Against Nobles: The French Jacquerie of 1358”
• Daniel Jacquet, “Martial Experts: Members of the Clergy and Martial Activities”
• Mathijs Roelofsen, “Brothers in Arms: Fribourg’s Armed Companies”

In addition to the theme-related content, this issue features articles on medieval reliquaries, livery badges, and legendary swords, as well as contributions on the Vikings and the Crusaders, among other exciting new research.

• Claudia Haines, “Encountering Sainte Foy: Experiencing a Renowned Reliquary”
• Thomas Banbury, “Livery Badges: Tactile English Heraldry”
• Paul Martin Remfy, “Keeping Up Your Castle: Exploring the Medieval Pipe Rolls, 1154-1216”
• Tim Miller, “Living On The Edge: One Viking Woman’s Epic Journey”
• Thomas Brosset, “Hostility and Fraternity: Besieged and Besiegers During the Crusades”
• Nicola Tallis, “Margaret of Anjou: ‘A grete and strong labourid woman’”
• Kathryn Walton, “Legendary Weapons: A Few Famous Swords from Medieval Myth and Legend”
• Manon Henzen, “Showing Off at Dinner: Spectacular Banquet Dishes”

The issue concludes with a brief piece on “Medieval Magical Powers: The Good, The Bad, and The Magic,” and a review of the exhibition Feminine Power: The Divine to The Demonic, on view at The British Museum and now on the road through 2025.

For contributions and suggestions, contact the editor: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/pages/contact-medieval-world