Conference in Kalamazoo focusing on all things medieval

(AP) — Pop culture touchstones such as the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones" will fit alongside the Black Death, Muslim migrants, magic, mapmaking and many other topics at a southwestern Michigan conference focusing on the Middle Ages.

Organizers say the annual event seeks to strike a balance between the period's portrayal in today's books and films and deeper dives into the architecture, politics, science and other topics of that age.