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A Handy Primer to the Middle Ages

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In 1252 the political clime in Europe is one of general unrest. King Louis IX rules France and has just been ransomed after the failed attack on Cario during the fifth crusade. Ferdinand III rules Spain. King Henry III rules England but is a poor ruler. He has invaded and conqured much of Wales and the two countries are bitter enemies. It is two years since the death of Fredrick II of Germany, also at times the Roman emperor. The current pope is Innocent IV. The ill famed executions, the auto-da-fé, are just now becoming a common practice, and the full horror that is the Spanish Inquisition has barely begun...
Tread carefully, friends!

Links of Interest

Medieval Life : Great introduction to the times (also includes a bonus link on getting married in Italy!)

Netserf: A page of links to various medieval sites. A note of warning - this site is connected to a university, so some items are very scholarly. If a site intimidates you, look away!
Medieval Europe : Choose a guide (Knight, Merchant, Nun, Peasant) and learn about their life.


Middle Ages : Another basic information site. Navigation for this site isn't the best.

Middle Ages for Kids : Despite the site's title, it's just as great for adults.
These are just a handful of the ten hundred million sites out there - seriously, there are that many. Just plug 'Middle Ages' 'Medieval' '13th century Europe' or some such into google and you will have hours of entertainment. Want to be inspired be people even more crazy and into this sort of thing than us? Try searching for 'medieval reenactment' or 'middle ages living history' and the like. You will find new heroes (and realize that you are NEVER too old for this stuff).
ENJOY!
(And if you find a really great link, share the site with us.)