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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Silphium

Ancient History, History of Science, Medieval History / October 24, 2023 / ancient greece, Rome

Potential happy post-extinction post! The drawing you see here is artist Nirupa Rao’s rendition of a plant that some believe to be an extremely rare…

Medieval Butterflies

Medieval History / August 21, 2023 / art, Central and Late Middle Ages, Late Antiquity

This butterfly I photographed today at the Hershey Butterfly House likely belongs to the genus “Heliconius”, aka “the longwings.” But it looks very similar to…

drawing of a long stick with measurement markings and hanging weights

The Linear Astrolabe of al-Tusi

Medieval History / July 24, 2024 / art, Eurasia/Middle Eastern history, history of education, Islamic history, math, science, technology

You are looking at an artist’s rendition of a device known as “the staff of al-Tusi” which sounds like a magical weapon straight out of…

“Diabolus in Musica”

Medieval History / August 29, 2024 / medieval, religion

“Diabolus in Musica” is an album by the metal band Slayer, but the group took the title from another place — an alleged accusation of…

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