Jack Crawford
@jack-crawford
Jack is a contributing writer with a primary interest in Medieval History, in particular the early medieval period. He completed a bachelor’s degree in Medieval History at the University of St. Andrews, and a masters in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at the University of Cambridge.
The Plague of Justinian: The First Recorded Global Pandemic
Beginning in 541, the devastating Plague of Justinian tore through the Byzantine Empire – this was the start of the first of three major plague pandemics in recorded history.
Barbarian Invasion: The Beginning of the End for Rome?
In 406 AD, there was a large-scale barbarian invasion across the Rhine frontier into the territory of the Western Roman Empire, beginning a period of upheaval and decline.
7 Interesting Facts About the Long Reign of Emperor Basil II
Emperor Basil II had one of the longest reigns of any Byzantine ruler. Under his direction and skillful administration, Byzantium grew to the largest it had been in four centuries.
7 Impressive Norman Castles Built by William the Conqueror
Following his conquest of Anglo-Saxon England and coronation as King of England in 1066, William the Conqueror built a great number of castles across England to control his new realm.
The Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England
When the Anglo-Saxons inhabited Britain, they brought with them Germanic paganism. The story of the conversion of the Saxons to Christianity is one filled with political intrigue and bloody conflict.
7 Powerful Medieval Weapons That Characterized Siege Warfare
Medieval war revolved around the sieges of castles and towns. In this article, we explore the terrifying medieval weapons that besiegers used to breach the walls of fortifications.
Understanding Byzantine Economy: The Collapse of a Medieval Powerhouse
As the successors of the Romans, the Byzantines maintained one of the most advanced economies in medieval times. However, this great wealth dramatically collapsed in the 13th century.
The Cathars: Persecuting Heretical Christians In The 13th Century
Flourishing in southern France, Catharism was a dualist Christian heresy whose followers opposed the corruption of the medieval Catholic Church and were subject to widespread persecution.