‘Meet the Writer: Janina Ramirez’

Janina Ramirez (1980) is a British cultural historian and makes documentaries for the BBC (Raiders of the Lost Past). Her historic research focused initially on the Vikings, but her major breakthrough came recently with her new book, Femina - A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It.  

Tracing the lives of nine remarkable women – some better known than others – she shows that medieval women did not always have to settle for a subordinate role. They could even become ‘king’ (sic), run their own businesses, distinguish themselves on the battlefield or become brilliant scientists. Furthermore, nuns and beguines were often liberated women who wanted to maintain control over their own bodies. 

Interview: Karl Van den Broeck