A lot of History

Here you will find quite a few of my reflections on various topics related to medieval history, with a particular focus on the Wars of the Roses and other similar disputes, in any time, in any place, and in any universe.
You can also find the same articles in Italian under the category “Articoli in Italiano”

  • Do you know what the paradox of the soul is?

    Today, on instinct, I decided not to write about history, but to share a thought that is particularly close to my heart. Do you know what the paradox of the soul is? Perhaps you’ve experienced it too, without ever being able to name it. The paradox of the soul is that state in which you

    Read more →

  • Sapete cosa è il paradosso dell’anima?

    Oggi, d’istinto, ho deciso di non scrivere di storia, ma di condividere un pensiero che mi sta particolarmente a cuore. Sapete cos’è il paradosso dell’anima? Forse lo avete vissuto anche voi senza riuscire a dargli un nome. Il paradosso dell’anima è quella condizione in cui ci si sente pieni e vuoti allo stesso tempo, traboccanti

    Read more →

  • Postpartum in the Middle Ages

    The Middle Ages, as we know, were a time when having many children was considered almost an obligation (let’s put it that way!). Because of this, the mortality rate for women due to pregnancy and childbirth was extremely high, around 50%. In other words, you either survived or died; there was no middle ground. Today,

    Read more →

  • WHAT PERFUMES DID KINGS AND QUEENS USE IN THE MIDDLE AGES?

    In the Middle Ages, kings and queens used perfumes both to distinguish themselves and for hygienic purposes. However, the fragrances of the time were generally simple, often derived from natural ingredients that were either locally sourced or imported from distant lands. There is historical evidence and references to the use of perfumes, essential oils, and

    Read more →

  • Did Elizabeth I borrow her grandmother’s motto?

    I have always found the concept of a motto fascinating, a short phrase that encapsulates everything a person represents and wants to convey to others. In royal families, every member had a motto, and often more than one, as these would change depending on the role they held. It was not uncommon, for example, for

    Read more →

  • The Tudor Style (and no, we’re not talking about fashion)

    After his death, the body of Richard III was taken to Leicester, naked and with his hands bound in front of him, as if he were the worst of traitors. His body bore the marks of the blows inflicted by the Tudor mercenaries and the treacherous Stanleys, along with numerous post-mortem wounds, deliberate acts of

    Read more →

  • The jewel desired by Richard III: Pilkington’s jewel

    Jewels have always been objects of immense value, and in the Middle Ages, they were also said to possess magical properties. It was believed they gathered a special energy capable of protecting those who wore them. Additionally, they were often ground into powder and used as medicine, an arguable practice, but who knows, maybe it

    Read more →

  • Why does everyone forget about her?

    I find this article very interesting, and I believe that chart should be included in history books (with some small corrections here and there). WARNING: LONG POST What I always find incredible is that Margaret Beaufort’s involvement is never mentioned. Perhaps women don’t kill? Or do they have others kill for them? Margaret connects all

    Read more →

  • MARGARET VS ELIZABETH: ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE? FIGHT!

    There are hints that Elizabeth’s relationship with Henry’s mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort, was not always easy. The Spanish envoy observed that Margaret kept Elizabeth ‘in subjection’. Another visitor to court claimed that she was the Queen’s gatekeeper, and begrudged the fact that he would have spoken more to Elizabeth ‘had it not been for that

    Read more →