Knights, Samurai, and the Myth of Japanese Feudalism: A Conversation with Professor Stephen Morillo

Knights, Samurai, and the Myth of Japanese Feudalism: A Conversation with Professor Stephen Morillo

From 'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages by Richard Abels

March 4, 2026 · 1h 9m · Season 5 · Episode 72

About this episode

This episode compares medieval European knights with the samurai of feudal Japan, featuring a conversation with Professor Stephen Morillo.

Send us Fan Mail Until now, "'Tis But A Scratch: Fact & Fiction About the Middle Ages" has dealt with medieval Europe and the Middle East. In this episode, we branch out to a more global perspective by comparing medieval European knights with the samurai of "feudal Japan." And, yes, we will once again be talking about the medievalist's F-word. I am fortunate to have as my cohost my good friend Stephen Morillo. Stephen is professor emeritus of History at Wabash College, where h...

People in this episode

Host: Richard Abels

Guest: Stephen Morillo

Topics covered

  • medieval Europe
  • Japanese feudalism
  • knights
  • samurai
  • global history
  • medievalism

Keywords

  • knights
  • samurai
  • feudalism
  • medieval history
  • global perspective
  • Stephen Morillo

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wabash College

Books & works: 'Tis But A Scratch: Fact & Fiction About the Middle Ages

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