A New History of the Middle Ages with Dan Jones

Join historian Dan Jones for a look at the enduring legacy of the Middle Ages
The British Library collection contains some of the most celebrated and important documents to have survived from the Middle Ages. From the Beowulf manuscript and Magna Carta to Matthew Paris’s vividly illustrated History of England, the Library’s collection is a vital resource, which helps scholars and ordinary readers alike to understand this formative thousand years in western history.
In this lecture, internationally bestselling medieval historian Dan Jones puts all these treasures into context as he takes you on a vivid tour of the Middle Ages in the round, from the sack of Rome by barbarians in 410 to the age of the Renaissance and the New World voyages. Based on his new book, Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages, Dan will explore how the medieval world emerged from the ashes of the classical era, and how it left a commanding legacy to western politics, law, religion, art, architecture, music, language and identity.
Dan also argues that although many think of the Middle Ages as backward, brutish and ignorant - using ‘medieval’ as an insult - this was a time that was shaped by factors that are still of critical importance to us today. Climate change, mass migration, pandemic disease, technological change and global networks all shaped the medieval world. The better we understand these, the better we will be equip ourselves for the challenges of our own, rapidly changing world.
Dan Jones is a historian, broadcaster and award-winning journalist. His books, including The Templars, Crusaders and, with Marina Amaral, The Colour of Time and The World Aflame, have sold more than one million copies worldwide. He has written and hosted dozens of TV shows including the acclaimed Netflix/Channel 5 series, Secrets of Great British Castles.
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Donate today.
First Broadcast: Mon 6 Sep 2021

[@collins3263]

I love documentaries. I have since I was young. The older I get the more infatuated with history I get. Particularly British history ( I'm American so it seems backwards lol). Dan Jones is always a good listen. One of my favorites. Hope I get to attend a lecture some day. My wife would be bored to death but id love it 😂

[@janeaustenist]

Love the ability to hear this author.

[@monkeytennis8861]

I love my good hearing too

[@lisagagnon1747]

Very Intriguing Discussion, Thank You! 🌟

[@jamesjuliehildbold9701]

Powers & Thrones is a brilliant book

[@hisbigal]

The volcanic event in 536 ACE, which circled the globe causing a mini Ice Age, may have influenced the first Arthur story.

[@leiaorgana436]

Love it, very interesting! I could wish that the part about medieval Jewish civilization had covered more than just our misfortunes. It was a time of flowering intellectual, spiritual, artistic achievements for the Jewish people too. I’d love for more people to know that instead of just our victimization. Thank you!

[@scottobryant1]

I bet you are a big fan of Edward II Dan?

[@showerfreak]

yeah

[@SteelWolf13]

56:00 What kind of shirt is that host wearing? Yuck.

[@bl00dhoney]

stud muffin

[@catherinerickard699]

Hell yeah

[@THINKincessantly]

Dan Jones turned Queen Anne Boleyn into an African---pay him no mind

[@monkeytennis8861]

Ironic handle

[@Dave_Sisson]

On dating the end of the middle ages, I reckon Dan Jones puts it far too late. A better time might be in the 1400s, signposted by these events: * The Italian proto-renaissance in the early 1400s. * Or the end of the Hundred Years War. * The fall of Constantinople in 1453. * Gutenbergs intervention of the printing press. * The end of the War of the Roses. * The Portuguese rounding the Cape of Good Hope and accessing the Indian Ocean. * The fall of Granada in 1492. * The Spanish reaching the Americas. Those things changed the world far more than the Reformation, which would not have happened without them.

[@monkeytennis8861]

He does say that the dates he's used are entirely arbitrary and he literally explains why he used the second sack of Rome in the Q&A

[@hotintxs]

As a proud-and definitely NOT medieval-Texan, I’m afraid you just lost my attention. Perhaps that was an editorial, personal view you should keep to yourself.

[@rustychapman7913]

I'm an avid reader of history but not yet read any Dan Jones books. Now I never will. What the heck does he know about Texas? What an ignorant statement he made.

[@monkeytennis8861]

Try listening properly and engaging your brain first.

[@monkeytennis8861]

​@@rustychapman7913you too

[@hotintxs]

@@monkeytennis8861 seriously? That's the best ya' got? Documentary videos are for education, NOT indoctrination. Perhaps you should follow your own advice, monkey.

[@leiaorgana436]

Disappointing answer to the question about women. There’s a difference between over-representing women in a way that exaggerates their impact and “over-representing” them in a way that speaks truth to the myth that they had little impact at all. It’s important for people today to understand that even under patriarchy women are still interesting and important. Maybe the author’s next book can focus in on women and other oppressed people in the Middle Ages. We desperately need those narratives. Thanks for an otherwise interesting talk.

[@Manic71]

I recommend Helen Castor's "She-wolves - The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth" or Alison Weir's "Eleanor of Aquitaine" if you're interested in books about Medieval women.

[@fkins7296]

"We desperately need those narratives." Maybe someone needs them desperately, WE do not so. Maybe your write the book you demand yourself?

[@MeanBeanComedy]

They weren't "oppressed."

[@leiaorgana436]

@@MeanBeanComedy haha

[@monkeytennis8861]

I bet any conversation with you is interminable

[@SteelWolf13]

13:33 Explain to me What Republican governance, Texas.(cc) has to do with the middle ages? Bad he says and the idea tossed around media today. You could randomly point to any states or province gov and say "bad" if you disagree with it. But why pick on Texas? Because the power grid issue? His dislike of the second amendment? Or that Texas is doing better financially then his own country? EDIT: ok seems hes just pointing out headlines he read recently. Seems i paused and posted faster then i was willing to keep listening.

[@ssam00]

may be because they are also a bunch of ill educated arrogant bigots ?

[@Luna.3.3.3]

@@ssam00 😅👍

[@happyaxolotl3736]

SteelWolf13 He is talking about how people inaccurately use the term medieval, especially within media which spreads to the population. Texas is filled with various people with many different ideas and beliefs. Still, unfortunately, the state government does not represent that fact. It can't because the US and our state governments are not democracies, making them difficult to change to what the people actually want or need. Maybe it works for you, but it doesn't work for all of us.

[@carlmurphy2416]

I hope you've learned to listen until the end of sentences before instantly reacting now.

[@steelwolfnolast6938]

@@carlmurphy2416 Nope I just type less.