Bow and Blade

Mar 31 2025 60 ep. 70 mins 245
Bow and Blade Podcast artwork

Medieval warfare with Kelly DeVries and Michael Livingston - talking about battles, sieges, and military history in the Middle Ages.

  History  Society & Culture
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Q&A #12: How strong were gunpowder weapons in the Middle Ages?

Mar 31 2025 62 mins  
In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including: Which medieval sites should one visit in southern England and Wales? Was Gilles de Rais guilty of being a mass-murderer? How strong were gunpowder weapons in the Middle Ages? You can support this podcast, and listen to it ad-free, by joining our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medieva

The Siege of Belgrade (1521)

Mar 16 2025 62 mins  
The Ottomans launch another siege against the city of Belgrade. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Kelly and Michael explore how Suleiman the Magnificent and his forces ultimately achieved victory. We have several new online courses starting up, including Medieval Warfare in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia with Nicholas Morton. Click here to see all our online courses on Thi

The Siege of Belgrade (1456)

Feb 26 2025 71 mins  
The Ottoman Empire, led by Mehmed II, clashes with Hungarian and Serbian forces under John Hunyadi. In this episode of Bow & Blade, we examine the first of two sieges that took place in Belgrade. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Battle of Patay (1429)

Jan 07 2025 67 mins  
Joan of Arc continues to put the English on the run. In this episode of Bow and Blade, Kelly and Michael examine this battle from the Hundred Years' War and how big a factor the Maid of Orleans was in this French victory. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Battle of Lewes (1264)

Nov 25 2024 72 mins  
King Henry III faces Simon de Montfort as England falls into civil war. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Second Barons' War, and why Henry and his son Edward lost a battle they should have won. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Q&A #11: When Did Jousting Become Obsolete?

Sep 25 2024 65 mins  
In this episode, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries answer your questions, including: When did jousting and tournaments become irrelevant to training for warfare (and become more of a professional sport)? How much training did medieval soldiers have? How were soldiers selected for the various roles in the military? How can one have a career in medieval studies? You can support t

The Battle of Bryn Glas (1402)

Aug 27 2024 71 mins  
At the beginning of the 15th century, Owain Glyndŵr would lead a Welsh rebellion against King Henry IV of England. One of the key moments of the war would take place at Bryn Glas. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Battle of Ankara (1402)

Jul 09 2024 54 mins  
Huge armies clash as the Ottoman sultan sultan Bayezid I faced off against the emir of the Timurid Empire, Timur. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly look at the battle and the account of the fighting by Johann Schiltberger. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Weardale Campaign (1327)

Jun 18 2024 60 mins  
In 1327, Scottish forces invaded England, posing the first test for the newly crowned Edward III. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English response turned out so badly. You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212)

May 21 2024 61 mins  
A turning point in the history of Iberia, the year 1212 would see the combined armies of Castile, Aragon and Navarre facing off against the Almohads. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about a key battle of the Reconquista.