Sheila Na Gigs

Sheila na gigs are medieval sculptures of females holding exaggerated vulva. The highest concentration are found in Ireland, where they were popular in the 12th century – perhaps to ward off evil. You are welcome.

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The Emerald Tablet

Ancient History, History of Science, Medieval History / September 20, 2023 / literature, math, science

This is a 16th century translation of “The Emerald Tablet”, among the most famous texts on alchemy ever. Although it purports to be from Egypt…

The Misunderstanding of the Bubonic Plague

Medieval History / November 20, 2024 / disease, medicine, religion, social history

When the Bubonic Plague hit Western Europe in 1347, it began a pandemic that killed between a third and a half of the population in…

Fez, the Oldest “University”

Africa, Asia and South Asia, Medieval History / August 21, 2023

The oldest continuous center of learning is in Fez, Morocco. The University of al-Qarawiyyin (aka Al-Karaouine) was founded as a mosque in either 857 or…

Eunuch Narses, “The Hammer of the Goths”

Byzantine History, Medieval History / October 3, 2024 / Central/late Middle Ages, history of sex, social history

Whenever I think about Byzantine eunuchs (*as one does*), there’s just always so much to say. So here is a picture of the famed general…

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