About this video

• Video Title: 3 Medieval Mysteries You've Never Heard Before
• Channel: Lazy Chill History
• Speakers: [None specified]
• Duration: 00:23:32

Overview

This video explores three historical puzzles from the medieval period: King Offa's mysterious coin with Arabic script, the circumstances surrounding the death of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and the truth behind the legendary sword of Charlemagne, Joyuse.

Key takeaways

• King Offa's Mysterious Coin: A gold coin bearing the name of Anglo-Saxon King Offa (8th century) also features the Muslim profession of faith in Arabic script. This is explained by Offa's monetary reforms and his need for a widely accepted international currency. The coin was a copy of an Abbasid dinar, likely intended for tribute to the Pope, with the Arabic script mistakenly used as decoration.
• The Death of Frederick Barbarossa: The Holy Roman Emperor died during the Third Crusade in 1190. While some accounts suggest a heroic drowning while charging a river, the most accepted version is that he drowned accidentally while swimming to cool off after a long march. Modern analysis suggests a medical event like a heart attack or cold water shock due to the extreme temperature difference. His death led to the disintegration of his massive army.
• The Legendary Sword of Charlemagne (Joyuse): The sword, now in the Louvre, is associated with Charlemagne and legendary tales of supernatural powers. However, historical and physical evidence indicates that the sword on display is a composite object with parts dating from the 10th to 14th centuries, not from Charlemagne's time. Its significance lies in its later use as the French coronation sword, symbolizing a link to Charlemagne and legitimizing the French monarchy.