Bow and Blade: Recent Episodes
Medievalists.net
Medieval warfare with Kelly DeVries and Michael Livingston - talking about battles, sieges, and military history in the Middle Ages.
As the Hundred Years' War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
One of the pivotal battles of the Crusades, the Battle of Hattin was shaped by both brilliant strategy and disastrous decisions. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore how Saladin orchestrated a crushing defeat of the Crusader army, while also sharing insights into the film Kingdom of Heaven.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
In the latest Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly answer questions about infantry vs cavalry in late medieval battles, will there be archaeological excavations at Hundred Years' War battlefields, favourite centuries and what our hosts will be doing this summer.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
Charles the Bold was building his Duchy of Burgundy into a European power when he faced the Old Swiss Confederacy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Battle of Grandson, a key event of the Burgundian Wars.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
Though often regarded as one of the most important battles of the Middle Ages, the Battle of Tours remains shrouded in uncertainty. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore the limited evidence to uncover where the battle may have been fought and what might have taken place there.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
After Henry V's death, the Hundred Years' War flares back to life as a Franco-Scottish army confronts the English in Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly dig into the Battle of Verneuil—one of the war's bloodiest clashes—and why it mattered.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
Scotland's in turmoil in the 1330s—and Edward III spots an opening. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly break down the Battle of Dupplin Moor, where tactics, terrain, and timing turn chaos into catastrophe.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In the latest Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly tackle listener questions on Joan of Arc, standout new books on medieval warfare, and whether Richard III really killed the Princes in the Tower.
You can support this podcast and listen to it ad-free on Medievalists.net's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In this episode of Bow & Blade, the Michael and Kelly head to the Pyrenean stronghold of Montségur to unpack the dramatic siege that brought the Cathar refuge to its end. They explore how faith, politics, and military pressure collided on the mountain—and what the fall of Montségur meant for the wider Albigensian Crusade.
In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the Battle of Stirling Bridge in Scotland as a clear example of poor generalship. Focusing on the English command's mistakes, they explore how underestimating William Wallace and the Scottish forces led to disastrous decisions over terrain and timing.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
As the Eternal City's power waned, enemies closed in. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly delve into two devastating sieges of Rome — one led by the Goths, the other by the Vandals.
In this episode of the podcast, Michael and Kelly let us know where they have been the last few months - and this includes going to a lot of medieval castles and cities.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Bow & Blade is hosted by
- Kelly DeVries is an Emeritus Professor at Loyola University in Maryland and Honorary Historical Consultant at the Royal Armouries.
- Michael Livingston teaches at The Citadel and is the author of numerous books on medieval history as well as fiction novels.
In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including:
Which medieval sites should one visit in southern England and Wales? Was Gilles de Rais guilty of being a mass-murderer?
How strong were gunpowder weapons in the Middle Ages? You can support this podcast, and listen to it ad-free, by joining our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Ottomans launch another siege against the city of Belgrade. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Kelly and Michael explore how Suleiman the Magnificent and his forces ultimately achieved victory.
We have several new online courses starting up, including Medieval Warfare in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia with Nicholas Morton. Click here to see all our online courses on Thinkific.
The Ottoman Empire, led by Mehmed II, clashes with Hungarian and Serbian forces under John Hunyadi. In this episode of Bow & Blade, we examine the first of two sieges that took place in Belgrade.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Joan of Arc continues to put the English on the run. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Kelly and Michael examine this battle from the Hundred Years' War and how big a factor the Maid of Orleans was in this French victory.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to www.patreon.com/medievalists
King Henry III faces Simon de Montfort as England falls into civil war. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Second Barons' War, and why Henry and his son Edward lost a battle they should have won.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including:
When did jousting and tournaments become irrelevant to training for warfare (and become more of a professional sport)?
How much training did medieval soldiers have?
How were soldiers selected for the various roles in the military?
How can one have a career in medieval studies?
You can support this podcast, and listen to it ad-free, by joining our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
At the beginning of the 15th century, Owain Glyndŵr would lead a Welsh rebellion against King Henry IV of England. One of the key moments of the war would take place at Bryn Glas.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Huge armies clash as the Ottoman sultan sultan Bayezid I faced off against the emir of the Timurid Empire, Timur. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly look at the battle and the account of the fighting by Johann Schiltberger.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In 1327, Scottish forces invaded England, posing the first test for the newly crowned Edward III. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English response turned out so badly.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
A turning point in the history of Iberia, the year 1212 would see the combined armies of Castile, Aragon and Navarre facing off against the Almohads. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about a key battle of the Reconquista.
It is a Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, with Michael and Kelly answering listener questions. In this episode, they talk about the impact of weather on medieval battles, how often did soldiers train, and why are there more sources about the Battle of Crecy (1346) than the Battle of Poitiers (1356).
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
One of the key dates from the Middle Ages is the year 1453. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the Ottomans were able to conquer the city of Constantinople and bring an end to the Byzantine Empire.
You can support this podcast on Patreon. - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Scotland and England are at war again, with the important border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed under siege. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English were able to inflict a quick and devastating defeat on the Scots.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
A rather unassuming spot in Greece has seen dozens of battles throughout history. On this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries are joined by Myke Cole to talk about the book The Killing Ground: A Biography of Thermopylae, written by Michael and Myke.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Vikings are attacking England, and it's up to Alfred, King of Wessex, to stop them. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this important battle in Anglo-Saxon England.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer listener questions about medieval military history. What do we mean when we talk about lines at a battle? Could those first into a battle survive? Are there campaigns that do not lead to battles or sieges? What was their favourite scene of medieval warfare from a film?
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly take another look at this important battle from the Hundred Years' War. How do a visit to the battlefield and the writings of an Italian chronicler change their views on how Edward the Black Prince gained his victory?
You can help support this podcast on Patreon - go to www.patreon.com/medievalists
In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly look at how the imperial army of Frederick Barbarossa and a Milanese force suddenly encountered each other in northern Italy. How would this battle change the Holy Roman Empire's plans for Italian conquest?
You can support this podcast on Patreon. Go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
It is a clash between Viking kings, as Harald Hardrada of Norway faces off against Sweyn II of Denmark. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this naval battle and how it was told by the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The most famous battle in Scottish history took place at Bannockburn in 1314. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries examine how Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, was able to defeat the English led by King Edward II.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In their eighth Q&A, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including who were the almost famous leaders of the Middle Ages, the importance of languages for medievalists, and their favourite battle sites.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Philip Augustus, King of France, faced off against an alliance that included the Holy Roman Emperor, the King of England, and the leading nobles of the Low Countries. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this important battle and how it changes Western Europe.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
One of the epic clashes between England and France during the Hundred Years' War, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Agincourt. It's perfect timing too, as Michael. Livingston has just released his new book: Agincourt: Battle of the Scarred King, from Osprey Publishing - https://www.ospreypublishing.com/uk/agincourt-9781472855206/
You can also support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In what could be considered the first battle of the Middle Ages, the Roman Emperor Valens goes to war against the Goths in southeastern Europe. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the battle and why the Romans suffered such a massive defeat.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Michael and Kelly are joined by Nicholas Morton, author of The Mongol Storm, to discuss how Chinggis Khan and the Mongols were able to use their military power to conquer large parts of the world in the 13th century.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
It is the seventh Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, with Michael and Kelly answering listener questions. Here they talk about the women defending castles, the Italian banks supporting Edward III, mustering troops from specific regions, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and where were the windmills in the Middle Ages.
You can help support this podcast through Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Castile goes to war against Portugal, hoping to take over this kingdom. The English and the French even take sides in this conflict, which culminates at Aljubarrota. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the battle, where we have a lot of good sources and brilliant military tactics. If you like this podcast and Medievalists.net, we would love your support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Hundred Years' War goes to Gascony, as the English and French do battle at Castillon. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about why the English commander John Talbot made such a tragic mistake in attacking the French camp.
If you like this podcast and want to support Medievalists.net, please do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
When the citizens of Liege go into revolt, they believe that they can fend off the armies of the nobles. Then they go up against John the Fearless and his professionally-trained Burgundian forces. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly look at a local conflict that took place in present-day Belgium.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
A live recording of Bow and Blade from the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds. In this lighthearted episode with lots of audience participation, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer questions about the Hundred Years' War, battlefields, and why William Wallace is a bad guy.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Michael and Kelly answer your questions in this somewhat abbreviated edition of Bow & Blade. Topics include the Ottoman siege of Rhodes, reading Vegetius on campaign, and historical fiction.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
After his victory at the Battle of Sluys, Edward III leads a coalition of England, Flanders, Hainaut, Brabant and the Holy Roman Empire against the French city of Tournai. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries tell us about a siege involving complex alliances, starvation and the money problems of a medieval ruler.
You can support this podcast on the Medievalists.net Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
On August 15, 778, the forces of Charlemagne find themselves in battle with the Basques. Many years later, this encounter inspired a famous story known as the Song of Roland. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries discuss the historical and the legendary when it comes to this battle.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In the early stages of the Hundred Years' War, the English and French naval forces fight a battle just off the coast of Flanders. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries examine the battle and its impact on the war and region.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
William Wallace comes up against King Edward I in a fight for Scotland. Will the battle be like what you see in the movie Braveheart? This episode of Bow & Blade has Michael and Kelly looking at the English-Scottish wars of the late 13th century.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The fifth Q&A episode of Bow and Blade. Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions. Topics include: Kings on the battlefield, Brunanburh, Richard III, raids from Iberia, and who would be the medieval person to share a drink with.
If you want to support this podcast and Medievalists.net, you can do so on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
It's the event marking the end of the Crusader States in the Near East. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about how the Mamluks conquered the city of Acre in 1291.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
England and France are again battling it out in this episode of Bow & Blade. Michael and Kelly focus on this battle from the Hundred Years' War, where Edward the Black Prince would face off against King John II.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
One of the most important battles within the Roman Empire, the Battle of the Milvian Bridge is also famous as a defining moment in Christian history. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine how Emperor Constantine I defeated his rival Maxentius on 28 October 312.
One of the most important battles within the Roman Empire, the Battle of the Milvian Bridge is also famous as a defining moment in Christian history. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine how Emperor Constantine I defeated his rival Maxentius on 28 October 312.
It was a city that was besieged 20 times during the medieval period, including its (in)famous capture during the First Crusade. John Hosler joins Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries to talk about his book Jerusalem Falls: Seven Centuries of War and Peace, just published by Yale University Press. This episode of focuses on the siege of 1090.
You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The fourth Q&A episode of Bow and Blade. Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including what was done with castles during peacetime, the communication of commanders and soldiers on the battlefield, and was King Richard III a good military leader.
You can support this podcast on Medievalists.net's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Hundred Years' War moves to Iberia, as the French and English get involved in the Castilian Civil War. The forces would meet at the Battle of Nájera in 1367. In this episode, Michael and Kelly discuss the battle, in which the winning side soon becomes the losers in the war.
One of the major actions of the Second Crusade took place far from the Holy Land, at the western edge of Europe. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Siege of Lisbon in 1147.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Mediterranean island of Rhodes would once be the stage for the conflict between the Hospitallers and the Ottoman Empire. In this episode, Michael and Kelly talk about how Suleiman the Magnificent was able to besiege and overcome the Hospitallers and their fortress.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
A look at one of the major battles that took place during the Wars of the Roses. The Battle of Towton would take place during a snowstorm on Palm Sunday in the year 1461. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Michael and Kelly look at this conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster.
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The third Q&A episode of Bow and Blade. Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including how did warriors fight in a shield wall, why were the armies of Duke Charles the Bold so often defeated, what factors led to the rise of pikemen, just how good were longbow archers at shooting, and was Richard III a bad guy?
You can support this podcast on Medievalists.net's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In the first naval battle covered by Bow and Blade, Kelly and Michael discuss the Battle of Zonchio, fought on four separate days in August of 1499. The Ottoman and Venetian fleets fight off the coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea to determine who would control the waters of the eastern Mediterranean.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Also known as the Battle of the Golden Spurs, it would see the people of Flanders defeat a French army in the year 1302. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Michael and Kelly look at the battle and war behind it, and how the Flemish infantry could stand up to the French cavalry.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
King Harold Godwinson of England would see his country invaded by army led by his brother Tostig and King Harald Hardrada of Norway. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Kelly and Michael discuss the Norwegian invasion of 1066, which culminated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
King Henry IV would face a major threat from within England, led by Henry "Harry Hotspur" Percy. Percy's rebellion would culminate at the Battle of Shrewsbury, fought on 21 July 1403. How did this battle unfold, and how did Prince Hal survive an arrow to the face?
You can support his podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The second Q&A episode of Bow and Blade. Michael and Kelly answer your questions, including how did medieval armies communicate, how much of the medieval past survives, what did medieval field medicine look like, how did they mine under a castle, and some thoughts on the St. Brice's Day massacre.
You can support this podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Huns became a powerful force in Europe in the fifth century AD. In this episode, Kelly and Michael examine the story of Attila, the reliability of historical sources, and just how important the Battle of the Catalaunian Fields was. You can support the Bow and Blade podcast and Medievalists.et on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In 1396, a Crusader army coming from France, Germany, Hungary and other parts of Europe would march into southeastern Europe, determined to attack the Turks. At Nicopolis they would find the Ottoman forces led by Bayezid I, and fight in one of the most important battles of the Middle Ages.
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Michael and Kelly continue their discussion on the Battle of Crécy, one of the major battles of the Hundred Years' War. In this episode, they challenge the traditional accounts of the battle and where it took place.
You can support this podcast and hear episodes early on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
On 26 August 1346 the armies of England and France would meet at Crécy, It would be the first major battle of the Hundred Years’ War, and an important English victory. This episode of Bow and Blade features the first part of Michael and Kelly’s discussion about the battle, focusing on the sources we have about the campaign and their re-examination of where the fighting actually took place.
You can support this podcast through Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The first Q&A episode of Bow and Blade. Michael and Kelly answer your questions, including what were overlooked events in medieval warfare, how did a cavalry charge actually work, and which medieval rulers would you most (and least) like to live under?
You can support this podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In the year 1480, the Ottoman Empire massed its armies to conquer the small island of Rhodes. Defending the island were a group of medieval monastic warriors - the Hospitallers. In this episode, Michael and Kelly discuss the Siege of Rhodes in 1480.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In the year 1428, the English besieged Orléans, hoping to capture the strategic and symbolic city. A victory here could have led to the conquest of France. However, a teenage girl named Joan of Arc would also come to Orléans, and the entire course of the Hundred Years' War would be changed.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In the year 937, Æthelstan, King of England, found himself under attack from a coalition of his enemies. In this episode, Michael and Kelly tell us about the Battle of Brunanburh, including where it was fought and the amazing poem about the battle preserved in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
Check out Michael's book Never Greater Slaughter: Brunanburh and the Birth of England, which is available through Amazon.com
You can support this podcast through Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
In the first episode of Bow and Blade, Kelly and Michael talk about the Battle of Hastings in 1066, where the Normans under William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson.
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Music: "Battle of the Creek" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/