Gangrene claimed Giovanni de’ Medici

It was not a blow in combat that felled legendary Renaissance warrior Giovanni de’ Medici, but gangrene resulting from being hit by a cannon ball, in a battle in Lombardy on Nov. 25, 1526, according to a new study conducted after the exhumation of de’ Medici's body.

Little Moreton Hall "lifted from a fairy story"

A recent Wikipedia feature showcases Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire, England, a 16th century house which is, according to the national Trust,  "lifted straight from a fairy story, a gingerbread house."

Armonn Bonaventa performs at Pirates Ravage the Plains

Robin Kyrke has posted a video of a performance by Armonn Bonaventa performing the Arrogant Worms song, "The Last Saskatchewan Pirate."

"Best way to indulge your passion is to share it"

Students at the University of Arizona are passionate about the SCA and are eager to share that passion, writes Renee Valencia of the Arizona Daily Wildcat after visiting members of the College of St. Felix on campus.

Economic crisis may have caused "hacked up" Roman silver

In 1919, archaeologists discovered a hoard of Roman silver at Traprain Law in East Lothian, Scotland composed of piles of "hacked up" Roman silver. They believed the late Roman period treasure was brought to Scotland as loot, but a new study by Dr Fraser Hunter shows that economics may have been the cause of the destruction of the dinnerware. (photo)

Rowany Festival move considered

Jan Janssen van den Zype geheeten van den Goere reports that a discussion regarding relocation of the 2014 Rowany Festival to a new site is available online, both in written and audio format.

Beatriz de la Oya and Alessandra da Venezia recommended for Laurel in Atlantia

At Their Court in the Barony of Bright Hills, Their Majesties Vladimir and Kalisa offered elevation to the Order of the Laurel to Lady Beatriz de la Oya and Lady Alessandra da Venezia.

East Kingdom largesse scrolls showcased

The East kingdom Gazette has published a story showcasing scrolls given by the East Kingdom at the Estrella War to be used by other kingdoms as largesse. Photos of 13 stunning scrolls are included with the article.

Politics of dance paper at Toronto library

A copy of a doctorial dissertation by Canadian scholar Emily Frances Winerock has been placed in the University of Toronto Research Repository. An abstract of the paper, Reformation and Revelry: The Practices and Politics of Dancing in Early Modern England, c.1550-c.1640, is available online.

More than 200,000 manuscripts saved from destruction in Timbuktu

World scholars are breathing a sigh of relief as news reached them that more than 80 percent of the precious manuscripts from Timbuktu were smuggled to safety. Many were driven by car and truck to the Malian capital of Bamako.

Festschrift to honor Magistra Jaelle of Armida

Many list subscribers have read about the recent passing of former Laurel Queen of Arms, Magistra Jaelle of Armida. Friends and associates of Magistra Jaelle are attempting to create a festschrift in her honor.

Getty Center to host medieval manuscript exhibit

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, in Los Angeles, California is playing host to an exhibit celebrating the "eventful lives" of medieval manuscripts with Untold Stories: Collecting and Transforming Medieval Manuscripts from February 26–May 12, 2013.

Meridies grad student seeks living history info

Lady Cicilia Violi, a graduate student from the Savannah College of Art and Design, is seeking information from re-enactors who work and play in the living history world.

Call for papers on Viking Age Culture

The Annual IMR Postgraduate Conference at the University of Nottingham in England is calling for papers to be presented at its conference to be held July 5, 2013. The deadline for submission is April 1, 2013

Gulf Wars A&S schedule online

Hillary Greenslade reports that the class schedule for Gulf Wars 2013 is now available to view - and print - online. The schedule is in Adobe Acrobat™ (PDF) format.

Authentic yurt for sale on eBay

Looking for alternative housing? A truly authentic yurt - or yurta - is available to purchase on eBay for a mere US$39,900.00. The yurt is constructed of felt and birch and weighs about 350 kg (770 lbs), but good news: shipping is free.

Performing Arts at Gulf Wars XXII

Greetings and salutations to all musicians, actors, bards, jugglers, and others within the Performing Arts: At the Sable & Gules Theater area, we offer the opportunity for anyone interested in presenting performances and providing classes in the Performing Arts.

Higgins Armory to close

The Higgins Armory Museum, much beloved of SCAdians, will be closing at the end of the year. The museum houses one of the biggest collections of arms and armor in the United States.

Roman bricks and cat prints bring mystery to Fort Vancouver

A grad student visiting Fort Vancouver, Washington (USA) in 1982 noticed some bricks at the fort that didn't look like the others. Analysis later revealed that these bricks were made in Roman England.

From Carolingial to Gothic: how scribal hands changed in the Middle Ages

Erik Kwakkel, a medieval book historian at Leiden University and master tweeter on the subject of paleography and codicology, offers a 4-minute instroduction on how medieval script changed throughout the Middle Ages.

Medieval village found in Scotland

A previously unknown medieval village has been unearthed near Selkirk, Scotland.  The site was found during costruction of a water main.

A day in Agincourt

What is the Society for Creative Anachronism really all about? A reporter from WQED television's OnQ recently attended Agincourt, an event hosted by Pittsburgh's local chapter, to find out.

Will ghosts help raise funds to save Wymering Manor?

16th century Wymering Manor, in Portsmouth, England, has had a varied history, from a family home to a residence for a Catholic religious order, but few dispute that it is now home to as many as 20 ghosts. The ghosts, however, may be the saving grace for the battered building which requires nearly UK£2m.

The heart of a king

Forensic analysis of the heart of Richard I of England, the Lionheart, have revelaed traces mint, myrtle, and frankincense, indicating the heart was embalmed. The heart was probably wrapped in linen.

"The Games Maestro" comes to YouTube

Craig Wood stars as The Games Maestro (The GM) in an online, musical series following the adventures of a D&D dungeon-master. The hilarious series has now been funded. The pilot is online, with future episodes coming soon.

DNA study shows lasting Roman gift to Britain

Early in the 5th century, the Romans departed from Britain, leaving behind roads, artifacts, walls, and something else. A new DNA study shows that up to 4 million British men carry Italian genetics, and of that, one million probably originate with the Romans.

Gulf Wars stage volunteers and performers needed

Mistress Amelia van Hemessen is requesting volunteers to help with the stage and performances at the upcoming Gulf Wars.

Car crash damages Curson Lodge in Ipswich, England

A minor automobile accident has damaged the entrance and corner post of Curson Lodge, Ipswich's "finest" Tudor house. The building dates to 1480 and was a guesthouse of the Curson House estate owned by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

Hair and headdress English-style

Have questions about how to dress your hair or wear a headdress English-style? Tufts University can help with its website entitled Jewels, Hair and Accessories of the Middle Ages.

Historians argue over head of Henry IV

Historians continue to debate over the authenticity of a mummifed head found in the attic of a tax collector. Some believe it is the remains of "good King Henri" (Henry IV of France, murdered in 1610), while others believe the claim is "rubbish."