Nic Morton
@nicmorton
Associate Professor in Middle Eastern and Global history (Medieval) Speaker • Writer • Reviewer • Editor ✝️ University webpage:
(2/2) naturally you need to beware their alluring song. According to one thirteenth century author, the best response is to plug your ears with wax and then shoot them down with crossbows. Not perhaps the most gallant solution, but certainly practical.
What to do if your ship is attacked by Sirens Medieval mariners who travelled to the Holy Land told many stories about sea monsters. They also offered practical advice about dealing with them. So if you are attacked by sirens then ... (1/2)
(2/2) because the mice will hollow out pomegranates and use them as boats to reach you. One writer suggests stationing cats as guards. Notably this 12th century myth appears in both a Syrian (Arabic) and an English (Latin) text showing how far such stories could travel!
Mice urinating in leopard bites (a medieval warning) Medieval writers claim that, if you suffer a leopard bite, you need to stay alert because mice will try to urinate in the wound. They suggest taking refuge on a boat so the mice can't follow. Even then, be cautious .. (1/2)
My favourite medieval fable A mother and daughter were on their way to market with the daughter riding on a donkey. Passing through a village on their way, the local people started laughing at them shouting - "look at that ridiculous pair!" ... (1/5)
(2/2) He enjoyed his meal and his steward went to pay the landlord. The landlord then charged an extortionate amount for the chicken causing Louis to intervene saying: "Are chickens so rare in these parts?" The landlord replied "No but kings are!" Louis laughed and paid the man in full.
A medieval joke There aren't many jokes that translate well into the modern day, but there is one ... King Louis IX set out on campaign and en-route he stopped at a tavern where he ordered some chicken. (1/2)
Making reading plans for the summer? Crusader Storm offers a history of the Crusades from roughly ten different cultural perspectives.
Just arrived at the Royal Armouries in Leeds to give this afternoon's talk on surviving a Mongol invasion! @royalarmouries.bsky.social
Review of my new book "The Crusader Storm" for Middle East Monitor Link to review: www.middleeastmonitor.com/20251121-the...
When someone reads your work and just 'gets it'! "The Crusader Storm is a necessary and nuanced narrative that lucidly reveals a complex history of tempestuous times." Fabulous review by James Doherty of my new book Crusader Storm. @jrdoherty.bsky.social @historyextra.bsky.social
Looking for some summer reading? My new book "The Crusader Storm" offers a history of the Crusades (1097-1187) from around ten different cultural perspectives.
Interview released today in TA NEA (A Greek national newspaper) where I discuss my new book The Crusader Storm.
New Release... "King Henry II of Cyprus, 1285-1324" By Nicholas Coureas This is the latest addition to the series "Rulers of the Latin East" that I co-edit with Jason Roche @routledgehistory.bsky.social
Review copy just arrived! - Crusade and Reform in Latin Christendom by Jessalynn Lea Bird
Spotted my new book "The Crusader Storm" in West Bridgford Waterstones! It offers a history of the early Crusades told from around ten different cultural perspectives. @waterstones.bsky.social
If you enjoyed reading "Mongol Storm" (a multi-perspective history of the 13th century Middle East) you might like to try my new book "The Crusader Storm" (a multi-perspective history of the 12th century Middle East)
Fabulous to see my new book "Crusader Storm" in Waterstones Piccadilly - accompanied by a very generous write-up!
It's publication day! It gives me great pleasure to announce that my new book The Crusader Storm is now available in the UK. Offering a history of the early crusades from around ten different cultural perspectives, you can find out more here: basicbooks.uk/titles/nicho...
"A kaleidoscopic portrait of one of history's most engrossing confrontations." Thank you Justin Marozzi for a fabulous review in today's Sunday Times of my new book: "The Crusader Storm" Link: www.thetimes.com/culture/book... @basicbooksgroup.bsky.social
Just published! My article "The Military Orders in the Holy Land: Three Unanswered Questions" In: As Ordens Militares do Convento e da Guerra para o Mundo Edited by Isabel Cristina F. Fernandes
My new book has just arrived! "The Crusader Storm" - offering a history of the early Crusades told from around ten different cultural perspectives. Available for pre-order (UK release date: 4 June)
My new book! Due out on 4 June Available for preorder A history of the Crusades told from around ten different cultural perspectives.
Review copy just arrived: Charles IV: Portrait of a Medieval Ruler By Václav Žůrek @karolinumpress.cuni.cz