Bow and Blade
- Episodes
- 76
- Released
- monthly
- Latest episode
- Oct 26, 2026
About the podcast
Medieval warfare with Kelly DeVries and Michael Livingston - talking about battles, sieges, and military history in the Middle Ages.
Episodes 76
The Battle of Murten (1476)
Charles the Bold once again faces the Swiss Confederation, this time at the Battle of Murten (also known as Morat). In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore the battle and explain how it ended …
Show notes
Charles the Bold once again faces the Swiss Confederation, this time at the Battle of Murten (also known as Morat). In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore the battle and explain how it ended in disaster for the Burgundians.
You can listen to this episode ad-free on our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
Q&A #15 - Decisive Battles of the Middle Ages
This episode of Bow & Blade was recorded live at the 2026 International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds. Kelly and Michael answer questions including was Agincourt the most decisive battle of the …
Show notes
This episode of Bow & Blade was recorded live at the 2026 International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds. Kelly and Michael answer questions including was Agincourt the most decisive battle of the period, what battle do they find most useful to teach, and who was the most effective general of the Middle Ages?
You can listen to these episodes ad-free on Medievalists.net Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
The Battle of Campaldino (1289)
Florence and its allies faced the forces of Arezzo in one of the most important battles of medieval Tuscany. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Campaldino and the fighting …
Show notes
Florence and its allies faced the forces of Arezzo in one of the most important battles of medieval Tuscany. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Campaldino and the fighting that brought Dante Alighieri onto the battlefield.
Brought to you by Medievalists.net
The Battle of Bosworth (1485)
King Richard III faces Henry Tudor in one of the decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Bosworth and how the identification of its …
Show notes
King Richard III faces Henry Tudor in one of the decisive battles of the Wars of the Roses. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss the Battle of Bosworth and how the identification of its battlefield has offered new insights into how the fighting unfolded.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
The Battle of Formigny (1450)
As the Hundred Years' War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its …
Show notes
As the Hundred Years' War entered its final chapter, England and France fought for control of Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the road to the Battle of Formigny and its decisive impact on the war.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
The Battle of Hattin (1187)
One of the pivotal battles of the Crusades, the Battle of Hattin was shaped by both brilliant strategy and disastrous decisions. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore how Saladin …
Show notes
One of the pivotal battles of the Crusades, the Battle of Hattin was shaped by both brilliant strategy and disastrous decisions. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore how Saladin orchestrated a crushing defeat of the Crusader army, while also sharing insights into the film Kingdom of Heaven.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
Q&A #14: Why were Infantry Defeating Knights in Late Medieval Warfare
In the latest Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly answer questions about infantry vs cavalry in late medieval battles, will there be archaeological excavations at Hundred Years' War battlefields …
Show notes
In the latest Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly answer questions about infantry vs cavalry in late medieval battles, will there be archaeological excavations at Hundred Years' War battlefields, favourite centuries and what our hosts will be doing this summer.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
The Battle of Grandson (1476)
Charles the Bold was building his Duchy of Burgundy into a European power when he faced the Old Swiss Confederacy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Battle of Grandson, a key …
Show notes
Charles the Bold was building his Duchy of Burgundy into a European power when he faced the Old Swiss Confederacy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly talk about the Battle of Grandson, a key event of the Burgundian Wars.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
The Battle of Tours (732)
Though often regarded as one of the most important battles of the Middle Ages, the Battle of Tours remains shrouded in uncertainty. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore the limited evidence …
Show notes
Though often regarded as one of the most important battles of the Middle Ages, the Battle of Tours remains shrouded in uncertainty. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly explore the limited evidence to uncover where the battle may have been fought and what might have taken place there.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
The Battle of Verneuil (1424)
After Henry V's death, the Hundred Years' War flares back to life as a Franco-Scottish army confronts the English in Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly dig into the Battle of …
Show notes
After Henry V's death, the Hundred Years' War flares back to life as a Franco-Scottish army confronts the English in Normandy. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly dig into the Battle of Verneuil—one of the war's bloodiest clashes—and why it mattered.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/cw/medievalists
The Battle of Dupplin Moor (1332)
Scotland's in turmoil in the 1330s—and Edward III spots an opening. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly break down the Battle of Dupplin Moor, where tactics, terrain, and timing turn chaos into …
Show notes
Scotland's in turmoil in the 1330s—and Edward III spots an opening. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly break down the Battle of Dupplin Moor, where tactics, terrain, and timing turn chaos into catastrophe.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Q&A #13: How Do You Write About Joan of Arc?
In the latest Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly tackle listener questions on Joan of Arc, standout new books on medieval warfare, and whether Richard III really killed the Princes in the Tower. You …
Show notes
In the latest Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly tackle listener questions on Joan of Arc, standout new books on medieval warfare, and whether Richard III really killed the Princes in the Tower.
You can support this podcast and listen to it ad-free on Medievalists.net's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Siege of Montségur (1243-44)
In this episode of Bow & Blade, the Michael and Kelly head to the Pyrenean stronghold of Montségur to unpack the dramatic siege that brought the Cathar refuge to its end. They explore how faith, politics, and …
Show notes
In this episode of Bow & Blade, the Michael and Kelly head to the Pyrenean stronghold of Montségur to unpack the dramatic siege that brought the Cathar refuge to its end. They explore how faith, politics, and military pressure collided on the mountain—and what the fall of Montségur meant for the wider Albigensian Crusade.
The Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297)
In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the Battle of Stirling Bridge in Scotland as a clear example of poor generalship. Focusing on the English command's mistakes, they explore how …
Show notes
In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly examine the Battle of Stirling Bridge in Scotland as a clear example of poor generalship. Focusing on the English command's mistakes, they explore how underestimating William Wallace and the Scottish forces led to disastrous decisions over terrain and timing.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Sieges of Rome (410 & 455)
As the Eternal City's power waned, enemies closed in. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly delve into two devastating sieges of Rome — one led by the Goths, the other by the Vandals.
A Summer in Castles
In this episode of the podcast, Michael and Kelly let us know where they have been the last few months - and this includes going to a lot of medieval castles and cities. You can support this podcast on Patreon …
Show notes
In this episode of the podcast, Michael and Kelly let us know where they have been the last few months - and this includes going to a lot of medieval castles and cities.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Bow & Blade is hosted by
- Kelly DeVries is an Emeritus Professor at Loyola University in Maryland and Honorary Historical Consultant at the Royal Armouries.
- Michael Livingston teaches at The Citadel and is the author of numerous books on medieval history as well as fiction novels.
Q&A #12: How strong were gunpowder weapons in the Middle Ages?
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? …
Show notes
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/medievalistsThe Siege of Belgrade (1521)
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 …
Show notes
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 Thinkific.
The Siege of Belgrade (1456)
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 …
Show notes
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)
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 …
Show notes
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)
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 …
Show notes
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?
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 …
Show notes
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 this podcast, and listen to it ad-free, by joining our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Battle of Bryn Glas (1402)
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 …
Show notes
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)
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 …
Show notes
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)
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 …
Show notes
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)
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 …
Show notes
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.
Q&A #10: How did weather impact medieval battles?
It is a Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, with Michael and Kelly answering listener questions. In this episode, they talk about the impact of weather on medieval battles, how often did soldiers train, and why are …
Show notes
It is a Q&A episode of Bow & Blade, with Michael and Kelly answering listener questions. In this episode, they talk about the impact of weather on medieval battles, how often did soldiers train, and why are there more sources about the Battle of Crecy (1346) than the Battle of Poitiers (1356).
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Siege of Constantinople (1453)
One of the key dates from the Middle Ages is the year 1453. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the Ottomans were able to conquer the city of Constantinople and bring an end to the …
Show notes
One of the key dates from the Middle Ages is the year 1453. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the Ottomans were able to conquer the city of Constantinople and bring an end to the Byzantine Empire.
You can support this podcast on Patreon. - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Battle of Halidon Hill (1333)
Scotland and England are at war again, with the important border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed under siege. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English were able to inflict a quick …
Show notes
Scotland and England are at war again, with the important border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed under siege. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss how the English were able to inflict a quick and devastating defeat on the Scots.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
The Battles of Thermopylae
A rather unassuming spot in Greece has seen dozens of battles throughout history. On this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries are joined by Myke Cole to talk about the book The Killing …
Show notes
A rather unassuming spot in Greece has seen dozens of battles throughout history. On this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries are joined by Myke Cole to talk about the book The Killing Ground: A Biography of Thermopylae, written by Michael and Myke.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
These are the latest 40 of 76 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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