"Looking for new medieval research without hitting a paywall? Here are ten open-access articles published in April 2026 that explore everything from medieval trade and kingship to archaeology and smells. In total, we found more than 70 open-access articles on medieval studies published last month. Our Patreon supporters can access the full list, featuring research on literature, religion, warfare, manuscripts, and much more."
"This study uses archaeogenomics to investigate the origins of the Piast dynasty, the ruling family that shaped the early Polish kingdom. Examining remains from Piast burial sites across Poland, the researchers identified several individuals as members of the dynasty and traced their paternal and maternal lineages. The findings suggest that the Piasts may have had non-local origins, adding new evidence to debates about state formation in tenth-century East-Central Europe."
"Excavations in 2023 uncovered iron clinker nails and wooden fragments, identifying Herlaugshaugen as one of the earliest known ship burials in Scandinavia. The article places the discovery within wider maritime networks of the seventh and eighth centuries, showing how it helps bridge the gap between Anglo-Saxon ship burials such as Sutton Hoo and later Scandinavian examples."
Open-access medieval research published in April 2026 spans many fields, including archaeogenomics, archaeology, and social and economic history. Studies investigate the origins of the Piast dynasty by analyzing remains from burial sites across Poland and tracing paternal and maternal lineages, suggesting possible non-local origins relevant to debates about state formation in tenth-century East-Central Europe. Other work examines the Herlaugshaugen ship burial on Leka in Norway, using excavations from 2023 to identify iron clinker nails and wooden fragments and to connect the find to broader maritime networks of the seventh and eighth centuries. Additional research addresses medieval participation in financial markets and other themes such as literature, religion, warfare, and manuscripts.
#open-access-medieval-studies #archaeogenomics #medieval-archaeology #dynastic-history #maritime-networks
Read at Medievalists.net
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