Tag Archives: medieval history

The Medieval Engineers of Islam

Posted on September 16, 2016 by E. C. Ambrose

Many of my historical projects have delved into the technology of the Middle Ages, and it’s a topic I enjoy researching. I am always discovering cool things–sometimes things I’m not, alas, in a position to use.  One fantastic example is … Continue reading →

Posted in history, medieval, medieval technology, technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Two Emperors: part II, Charles IV

Posted on March 11, 2016 by E. C. Ambrose

At the end of the first part of this blog, I noted that Charles IV could not have been more different from his rival, Louis the Bavarian.  Charles, born 1316, was 34 years younger, handsome and affable. He was highly … Continue reading →

Posted in Great Characters of the Middle Ages, history, medieval, profiles, religion, research, The Dark Apostle | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Two Emperors: part I, Louis the Bavarian, the Man who Named his own Pope

Posted on March 5, 2016 by E. C. Ambrose

During the period when the Dark Apostle novels are set, much of central Europe was consolidated as the Holy Roman Empire (which the wags are fond of pointing out was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire–all valid points, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Great Characters of the Middle Ages, history, medieval, religion, research, The Dark Apostle | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Brief History of the Inquisition: The Original Thought Police

Posted on October 16, 2015 by E. C. Ambrose

When I was playing more actively with the Society for Creative Anachronism, I had a Jewish friend with a Spanish persona, circa 1492.  He used to joke that, contrary to Monty Python’s claims, he *did*, expect the Spanish Inquisition. . … Continue reading →

Posted in Elisha Rex, history, medieval, religion, research, The Dark Apostle, witchcraft | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rehabilitating Medieval Monarchs

Posted on May 20, 2015 by E. C. Ambrose

At last week’s International Medieval Congress in Kalamazoo, I attended the annual Pseudo Society session, a humorous presentation of papers crafted to resemble the other academic presentations at the conference, but on topics like “Njal’s Flat Pack: The Historical Evidence … Continue reading →

Posted in conventions, history, medieval, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Deleted Settings: The Traitors’ Gate

Posted on April 9, 2014 by E. C. Ambrose

The Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror to dominate his new capital, has a long and fascinating history well worth reading up on. As I approached The Dark Apostle series, and especially the second book, Elisha Magus, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Deleted scenes and settings, Elisha Magus, history, medieval, research, The Dark Apostle | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Medieval Apps: There’s a Saint for That!

Posted on October 23, 2013 by E. C. Ambrose

One of the aspects of the medieval Church which causes much consternation among theologians is the presence of and reliance on the various saints. Theoretically, the Catholic Church is monotheistic, that is, it worships only one god. First, they muddy … Continue reading →

Posted in medieval, religion | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Studying Magic in the Middle Ages

Posted on July 10, 2013 by E. C. Ambrose

One of the frustrations of being a fantasy writer is confronting the accusation that one can simply make it all up. The best authors, IMHO, use a combination of reality and imagination to bring a new world to life. To … Continue reading →

Posted in Elisha Barber, fantasy, history, magic, medieval, religion, The Dark Apostle, witchcraft | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments