Medievalista invites the submission of proposals for a thematic dossier that explores critical themes in Medieval Studies, emphasizing their academic relevance and contributions to research in the area.

The aim is to compile innovative research that improves our understanding of Medieval Studies from various disciplines, including history, literature, art history, archaeology, philosophy, and religious studies, among others.

We welcome contributions covering topics including, but not limited to:

Global Middle Ages: Connections, Exchanges, and Encounters

  • Trade networks, diplomacy, and cross-cultural interactions
  • Movement of people, ideas, and technologies across medieval Europe, Africa, and Asia
  • Linguistic and literary exchanges in the medieval world

The Medieval Body: Health, Disease, and Perceptions

  • Medical knowledge, practices, and institutions
  • Disability, aging, and conceptions of the body
  • Religious, magical, and scientific interpretations of health and illness

Marginalized Voices in the Middle Ages

  • Women, LGBTQ+, and non-binary identities in medieval society
  • Enslaved peoples, peasants, and social outcasts
  • Religious minorities (Jews, Muslims, heretics) and their experiences

Medieval Landscapes and Environments

  • Climate change and environmental crises in the Middle Ages
  • Urban and rural spaces, architecture, and infrastructure
  • Agricultural practices and resource management

Magic, Science, and Religion: Boundaries and Overlaps

  • Alchemy, astrology, and esoteric traditions
  • Religious miracles vs. scientific explanations
  • The persecution of witches and heretics

Manuscripts, Material Culture, and the Transmission of Knowledge

  • Production and circulation of medieval texts
  • Paleography, codicology, and manuscript illumination
  • Intellectual networks and centers of learning

War, Chivalry, and Violence in Medieval Society

  • The role of knights, mercenaries, and military orders
  • Representations of warfare in medieval literature and art
  • The impact of war on medieval populations and landscapes

Sound, Music, and Performance in the Middle Ages

  • Liturgical and secular music traditions
  • Oral storytelling and medieval theater
  • The role of sound in religious and courtly life

The Medieval in the Modern: Uses and Misuses of the Past

  • Medievalism in contemporary politics, literature, and film
  • Nationalist and ideological appropriations of the medieval past
  • The digital humanities and new approaches to medieval studies

Articles can be submitted in Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian or English and must follow the Medievalista submission guidelines.

All articles will be subject to an independent and blind scientific peer-review process.

Submission process

Submissions must be sent via email: medievalista@fcsh.unl.pt, and must contain:

Title of the Thematic Dossier

  • A clear and concise title that reflects the focus of the dossier.

Description of the Theme (500–1000 words)

  • Explanation of the central topic and its relevance to medieval studies.
  • Justification for the dossier’s importance, highlighting current debates or gaps in scholarship.
  • Possible interdisciplinary perspectives or methodological approaches.

Proposed Structure and Topics

  • A tentative list of subtopics or themes the dossier will cover.
  • A list of potential contributors (if applicable) and their affiliations.
  • Indication of whether the dossier will include a mix of invited and open-call submissions.

Editorial Coordination

  • Names and affiliations of guest editors, if any.
  • A brief academic CV or bio for each guest editor, highlighting relevant experience.

Timeline and Deadlines

  • Proposed deadlines for the call for papers, submission, peer review, and publication.

Language(s) of Submission

  • Indication of which languages will be accepted (e.g., Portuguese, Spanish, French, English).

Contact Information

  • Email addresses for the editorial team or guest editors.

Note: The thematic dossier must consist of a minimum number of 10 articles and a maximum of 12 articles.

Important dates

  • Submission period
  • Issue 41 (January-June 2027): until June 2025
  • Issue 42 (July-December 2027):  until November 2025
  • Proposal acceptance communication
  • Issue 41 (January-June 2027): until September 2025
  • Issue 42 (July-December 2027):  until February 2026.
  • Receipt of articles for the dossier + appointment of referees:
  • Issue 41 (January-June 2027): February 2026.
  • Issue 42 (July-December 2027):  until July 2026.

Medievalista is a medieval studies magazine established in 2005 by Professor Luís Krus and has been published online by the Institute of Medieval Studies (IEM) since its inception. As indicated by its name, the magazine covers various topics related to medieval studies. It is intended for researchers and anyone interested in the field, publishing articles in languages of Latin origin (such as Portuguese, Castilian, French, and Italian) and Germanic languages (including English and German).

Medievalista is an open-access publication that releases two issues per year. It welcomes original contributions from all academic disciplines, including articles, reviews, historiographical reports, news, and discussions of recent academic research, as long as they pertain to medieval times. The magazine emphasizes innovative and multidisciplinary approaches that connect various realities and perspectives.

Submitted articles undergo scientific peer review to ensure a balance between rigorous analysis and engaging, accessible perspectives. With the launch of Medievalista, the goal is to create an international platform for sharing and debating ideas, open to everyone from established authors to emerging scholars.

We look forward to your contributions!