How difficult was life in the Middle Ages? This is something archaeologists and historians have debated for decades. In recent years, new techniques, including genetic analysis, have given us new insights into the lives of our distant ancestors in the Medieval Era. Their findings are unsettling. Life in the Middle Ages was far more difficult than we imagine.

My guest in this episode is Prof. Eileen Murphy from Queen's University Belfast. Eileen has recently published groundbreaking research on daily life in early medieval Ireland, based on her analysis of human remains excavated in Co. Roscommon. In this podcast, she answers all your questions on what life was like.

Eileen shares her discoveries on how people survived in a hard and difficult world. It's not for the faint of heart.

This episode is not suitable for children.

Our interview is based on the book "The Forgotten Cemetery: Excavations at Ranelagh, Co. Roscommon," available for free at https://www.tii.ie/technical-services/archaeology/publications/tii-heritage/.

Eileen is the deputy head of the School of Built & Natural Heritage at Queen's University Belfast: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/NBE/.

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The camera never lies or does it?

In this episode, I take a trip to the National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar, Dublin. Joining me is the archivist, Nora Thornton. Nora not only leads you through the history of photography from its earliest days but also delves into the murky history of image manipulation. It's much older than modern photoshopping. From your great-grandmother, who was eager to alter her figure, to more significant political editing, there's a fascinating history that unfolded behind the scenes.

You can visit the National Photographic Archive - its located on Meeting House Square in Templebar. You can also check out thousands of images from their collection that have been digitised here https://www.nli.ie/collections/our-collections/photographs

These are the images mentioned in the show

No.1 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000188503

No.2 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000188275

No.3 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000183831

No.4 https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000354193

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1170, the Norman Lord Strongbow landed an army in Ireland. The following day, he launched a deadly assault on the nearby city of Waterford. Before the day was out, Strongbow had not only conquered Waterford in a brutal assault but also made time for his wedding.

This marriage changed Ireland forever.

Discover how the marriage of Aoife, a seventeen-year-old, and Strongbow, a man in his mid-forties, altered the course of Irish history. I also explore how it elevated Aoife to one of the most powerful women in medieval Irish history.

In addition, my supporters of "The Troubles" with Dr. Brian Hanley continues this week with part four, as we delve into the years 1970 and 1971. During this time, the IRA begins to engage the British Army across Northern Ireland.

Get the first four episodes at patreon.com/irishpodcast

Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/irishhistory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.