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Fun History Trivia: 18 Facts About the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, was a fascinating period filled with unique customs, beliefs, and practices. Here are 18 intriguing facts that showcase the peculiarities and lesser-known aspects of medieval life.
1. Medieval Fast Food
Contrary to popular belief, fast food existed in medieval times. Street vendors in large cities sold ready-to-eat meals like meat pies, pastries, and hot bread. These were particularly popular among urban workers who didn’t have cooking facilities in their small dwellings.
2. The Unicorn Trade
Medieval merchants sold “unicorn horns” at astronomical prices. These were actually narwhal tusks, but people believed they had magical healing properties and could detect poison in food and drink.
3. Castle Windows
Arrow slits in castle walls were designed to be wider on the inside and narrower on the outside, allowing archers to shoot at different angles while remaining protected. These architectural features were called “embrasures.”
4. Medieval Dental Care
People in the Middle Ages cleaned their teeth using cloth and salt or herbs. Some even made rudimentary toothpaste from sage grounds and salt crystals. Contrary to popular belief, dental hygiene wasn’t completely ignored.
5. The Power of Herbs
Medieval gardens weren’t just for food. Many monasteries maintained elaborate herb gardens for medicinal purposes. Herbs like lavender, sage, and rosemary were used for healing and were considered valuable commodities.
6. Medieval Sports
Football existed in medieval times, but it was far more violent than today’s version. Entire villages would compete against each other, with few rules and numerous injuries. The game could last for days.
7. The Truth About Witch Hunts
The major witch hunts actually occurred after the Middle Ages, during the Renaissance and Early Modern period. Medieval people were generally more concerned with heresy than witchcraft.
8. Castle Warfare
Most castles were captured through siege warfare rather than direct assault. Attackers would typically surround the castle and wait for inhabitants to run out of supplies, which could take months.
9. Medieval Universities
The first universities were founded in the Middle Ages. The University of Bologna, established in 1088, is considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
10. The Black Death’s Silver Lining
The Black Death, while devastating, led to improved working conditions for surviving peasants. With labor scarce, workers could demand better wages and living conditions.
11. Medieval Time-Telling
Before mechanical clocks became common, people told time using church bells and sundials. The day was divided into canonical hours marked by church services.
12. Dining Etiquette
Medieval nobles used bread as plates, called “trenchers.” After the meal, these food-soaked bread plates were often given to the poor or fed to dogs.
13. Castle Gardens
Many castles maintained pleasure gardens featuring mazes, fountains, and exotic plants. These spaces served both recreational and practical purposes, often including medicinal herbs.
14. Medieval Sleep Patterns
People typically slept in two phases, with a period of wakefulness in between called “the watching hour.” This time was often used for prayer, reading, or intimate moments.
15. Animal Trials
Animals could be put on trial for crimes. There are recorded cases of pigs, rats, and even insects being tried in court, complete with defense attorneys and formal proceedings.
16. The Role of Jesters
Court jesters weren’t just entertainers; they were often trusted advisors who could speak truth to power through humor and were sometimes the only ones who could criticize the king without punishment.
17. Medieval Graffiti
Churches and castles often contained elaborate graffiti, including prayers, drawings, and personal marks. These provided valuable historical insights into medieval life and beliefs.
18. The Medieval Climate
During the Medieval Warm Period (c. 950-1250), temperatures were warmer than today in many parts of Europe, allowing wine production in England and settlement in Greenland.
These fascinating facts demonstrate that the Middle Ages were far more complex and sophisticated than often portrayed. From innovative architectural designs to complex social structures and surprising cultural practices, this period laid important groundwork for modern civilization. While some aspects might seem strange or primitive by today’s standards, many medieval innovations and customs continue to influence our world in surprising ways.
Understanding these historical facts helps dispel common misconceptions about the Middle Ages as merely a “dark” period between ancient and modern times. Instead, it reveals a dynamic era of human ingenuity, social development, and cultural evolution that deserves careful study and appreciation.