Gone Medieval How the Wind Blew Up The Middle Ages
12 snips
Nov 18, 2025 
In this captivating discussion, bestselling author Simon Winchester dives into the profound cultural and historical significance of wind. From its vital role in agriculture and health to its divine interpretations, he reveals how medieval civilizations both harnessed and feared this natural force. Winchester shares fascinating anecdotes about Viking navigation, monastic observations, and the impact of winds on major historical events. With insights into ancient meteorological knowledge and the interplay of wind and human behavior, this conversation uncovers the unseen influence of wind in our past.
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Wind In Medieval Agriculture
- Medieval agriculture depended on wind for threshing and winnowing to separate grain from chaff.
- Winchester explains barn orientation and use of prevailing westerlies in grain processing.
Winds Enabled Global Navigation
- The Portuguese learned to use wind patterns (15th century) to sail down Africa and establish global trade routes.
- Mastery of prevailing winds unlocked colonization and long-distance commerce.
Kamikaze Saved Japan
- Kublai Khan's invasions of Japan (1274, 1281) failed when typhoons destroyed his fleets, giving rise to 'kamikaze' or divine winds.
- Winchester recounts the storms that saved Japan from Mongol conquest.
