Convents as a Refuge in Early Modern Lisbon
Lisbon’s convents were not just religious houses, but safe havens for the noblewomen of Portugal offering refuge from abusive husbands, unhappy marriages and a city swarming with ‘dogs and devils’.
Religion
The Search for the Historical Buddha
Arriving in the West in the 19th century, the Buddha of legend was stripped of supernatural myth and recast as a historical figure. What do we really know about him?
Byzantine Bishops at War with Women
Early Christianity brought new opportunities for Roman and Byzantine women – it also brought new reasons to vilify them.
Saint Nicholas Becomes a Myth
On 6 December 343, Saint Nicholas died but his miracles continued. Eventually, the man was replaced by the myth of Santa Claus – if he even existed at all.
The Lost Years of Jesus
Did Jesus have a difficult childhood? Was his youth spent in Egypt or England, India or Japan? The four canonical gospels are quiet on his early life, leading some to speculate.
Archbishop Wulfstan: England’s Forgotten Lawmaker
As Anglo-Saxon England faced conquests and apocalypse, Archbishop Wulfstan saw hope for the kingdom in a radical restructuring of society.
Edmund of Abingdon’s Dream Job
How a vision led Edmund of Abingdon to elevate the role of Medieval teacher to saintly levels.
Christianity’s Bloody History in Japan
Japan has had a vexed relationship with Jesus ever since European missionaries arrived on its shores. Banned until 1873, successive leaders have asked whether love of the ‘two Js’ is compatible.
The Flies, Fleas and Rotting Flesh of Medieval Monks
Repulsive revelations of bodily infestations were viewed by some in medieval Europe as proof of sanctity. But for most, parasites were just plain disgusting.
The Death of St Francis of Assisi
St Francis of Assisi died on 4 October 1226, leaving behind the question of how we venerate a saint who resisted veneration.