The Golden Age of Islam and the High Middle Ages.
While the passage of time means the stories here are as remote to us as any fictional story, their echoes reverberate across the centuries and are visible around us in many intangible ways.
Follow the stories here to see what I’ve looked at that comes from, or is influenced by, the 12th century.
All my 12th Century articles
1150 – 1159
- The Abbey of Bourgueil August 2, 2025 - In 990, Emma of Blois leveraged her dowry and family alliances to found an abbey in Bourgueil, France. The abbey grew into a regional powerhouse over the next 500 years… Continue Reading
- The lost Judith bridge January 24, 2025 - Prague's Charles bridge is the main attraction in this medieval city. Few have heard of its predecessor and fewer have heard about the stories behind it. This article delves into… Continue Reading
1170 – 1179
- The lost Judith bridge January 24, 2025 - Prague's Charles bridge is the main attraction in this medieval city. Few have heard of its predecessor and fewer have heard about the stories behind it. This article delves into… Continue Reading
- The lost anti-Viking defence system August 28, 2024 - In the late 10th century, France faced with an economic crisis and an uneasy peace with the Vikings. Would the Vikings attack again? Or was their recent attempt at peace going… Continue Reading
1190 – 1199
- The lost anti-Viking defence system August 28, 2024 - In the late 10th century, France faced with an economic crisis and an uneasy peace with the Vikings. Would the Vikings attack again? Or was their recent attempt at peace going… Continue Reading
- From a Duchy to a Kingdom August 7, 2024 - In the 12th century, Otakar I was the Duke of Bohemia. Through wily politics, he elevated his duchy to a kingdom, forever enhancing Bohemia in the process. This article explains… Continue Reading