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Gone Medieval

History Hit

From long-lost Viking ships to kings buried in unexpected places; from murders and power politics, to myths, religion, the lives of ordinary people: Gone Medieval is History Hit’s podcast dedicated to the middle ages, in Europe and far beyond.


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Our Editor's Take

Gone Medieval is an excellent podcast for anyone who enjoys the chaos and changing politics of the Dark Ages. Matt Lewis, a historian, and Cat Jarman, an archaeologist, host the podcast. Listeners can follow the hosts as they share stories of Medieval England. It also talks about the rest of Europe and beyond in the Middle Ages.

This podcast goes much further than the average history book. It looks to find the true, whole story behind the tales. There are many myths regarding the Dark Ages after the fall of the Roman Empire. One myth is that people were less intelligent and sophisticated. The Gone Medieval podcast seeks to combat these myths.

Favorite Gone Medieval topics include the Vikings, the Picts, and English kings like Richard III. Listeners can also learn about the origins of Christmas carols. Other topics include the relationship between Jews and the English. The hosts even discuss the Mongol empire. Listeners can hear the truth behind the cult of St. Swithun and the real "good king" Wenceslas.

The podcast hosts know their selected subjects. Lewis has written many non-fiction history books. He also writes historical fiction stories. Jarman is a field archaeologist and bioarcheologist. Her main interest is the Viking Age. She has a Ph.D. in Archaeology.

The Gone Medieval podcast also brings in exciting guests. This includes Dr. Jane Harrison, an archaeologist. Petr Jákl, director of the Czech film Medieval, also appears. Other guests are Dr. Jane Kershaw, an archaeologist and historian, and author Petr Bok.

This podcast appeals to a broad audience-whether they know the history or not. The Gone Medieval hosts present facts in an accessible way. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the discussions. The podcast hosts show their enthusiasm for the topics through their exhaustive research. New episodes come out several times a week.

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History

Episodes

Childbirth in Medieval Times with Kate Lister
3d ago
Childbirth in Medieval Times with Kate Lister
This episode contains explicit language and graphic descriptions of birthToday we're delving into historical childbirth's stark realities, facing the medieval attitudes toward childbirth, its dangers, and grizzly details. Dr. Eleanor Janega pays a visit to our sister podcast Betwixt the Sheets to be the guest of its presenter Dr. Kate Lister, and they explore the life of midwives, including their crucial role, training, and societal perceptions. They also touch on unique aspects such as the medical practices of nuns, the evolving understanding of childbirth, and the heartbreaking prevalence of maternal and infant mortality.Dr Kate Lister is a sex historian and host of our sister podcast Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society. Over on her pod, there are new episodes twice a week every week, and Kate explores everything from witch trials, to the sex lives of kings and queens, to scandals which change the course of history. Check it out if you haven’t already.MORE:The Real Joan of Arc with Dr. Kate Listerhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2wgZwZ7RZt5d6AZOeLih2bMedieval Sex Workhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0GDgtPZjN02v5Sf9fyv4jKGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Tom Delargy and Amy Haddow, the producer is Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK
Theodora, the rags to riches Empress
Jun 10 2025
Theodora, the rags to riches Empress
Dr. Eleanor Janega and author Stella Duffy dive into the extraordinary life and legacy of Empress Theodora.A woman who rose from the lowest ranks of society as a prostitute at the Hippodrome to capture the heard of an emperor to become the most powerful woman in the Byzantine Empire.A strident feminist, she fought for women's rights bringing in laws to stop sex trafficking and punish rape, Theodora was a game changer of the highest order who was venerated a as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church.MOREThe Rise of Constantinoplehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0xDnUgTBWpztIx2NCDrFPtJustinian: the Greatest Byzantine Emperor?https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rCisdx9LPzINtcXPa1pRgGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Tim Arstall, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-onSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on