When people think of the European Middle Ages, it often brings to mind grinding poverty, superstition and darkness. But the reality of the 1,000-year period from 500 to 1500 was much more complex.

A calf belonging to a species of bison that became extinct in the wild in Western Europe in the Middle Ages has been born in Switzerland. The European bison calf was born in the Jura Mountains on July ...

Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure. As Europe passed A.D. 1000, its growing prosperity was reflected in soaring Gothic cathedrals graced with ...

Why were the Middle Ages dark? Isn't it true that this epoch conjures up ominous images of superstition and witch-hunting? Burning pyres and plague doctors hurrying strangely muffled along dark ...

Joëlle Rollo-Koster does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations ...

Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings. After Rome’s fall, Europe’s Christians kept culture alive with art rooted in their deep faith. We visit ...