
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
More episodes of 'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages
- A Model Pre-Gregorian Reform Bishop: St. Ulrich of Augsburg · May 27, 2026 · 21 min
- Offa of Mercia: Laying the Foundations of a Kingdom of England (with Prof. Rory Naismith) · May 21, 2026 · 1h 18m
- Sieges, Chivalry, and Medieval Warfare: Dr. Larissa Tracy's podcast, "Medieval Mischief and Mayhem" (with Dr. Richard Abels) (E23 2026)) · May 13, 2026 · 1h 21m
- The Knights Templar, Part 3: From History to Legend (with Steve Tibble) · April 30, 2026 · 51 min
- The Knights Templar: The Trial and Suppression of the Order (with Steve Tibble) · April 16, 2026 · 1h 8m
- The Knights Templar, Part 1: the Templars in History (with Steve Tibble) · March 15, 2026 · 1h 7m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the 'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages podcast page.