Church In the Middle Ages

The church in the middle ages played a central role in people’s lives as well as the state. The middle ages were a turbulent time marked by wars in which millions of lives were lost. The church played a strong and controversial role during these tumultuous times. The church was a universal, all encompassing institution, … Read more

Christianity In The Middle Ages

The church became dominant in Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire. The only religion recognized in Middle Ages Europe was Christianity and specifically Catholicism. Christianity in the middle ages dominated the lives of both peasants and the nobility. Religious institutors including the Church and the monasteries became wealthy and influential given the fact … Read more

Chivalry in the Middle Ages

Chivalry in the Middle Ages was a moral, religious and social code of knightly and courtly conduct.  The code varied, but it often emphasized honor, courage and service.  Chivalry in the Middle Ages may also refer to an idealized life and a knight’s manners while among his court. History The term chivalry was derived from … Read more

Children in the Middle Ages

Children in the Middle Ages, if they survived past early childhood, sometimes led lives full of turmoil and anguish.  Most children did not have the privilege of living the lighthearted and blissful lifestyle that many children experience in current times.  Because the time period was full of poor diet and sickness, the lifespan was cut … Read more

Castles in the Middle Ages

Castles have a romantic connotation of princesses and princes, but real medieval castles more closely resemble fortresses than fairy tale illustrations.  That being said, castles from the middle ages exhibit strength and majesty still evident on the landscape today. Castles were the homes of wealthy nobles and their families while a majority of the population … Read more

Architecture in the Middle Ages

The end of Roman Empire not only disturbed the political, social and educational culture of Middle Ages, but also, it influenced the architecture of the Middle Ages in a significant manner. The essential aspect of this change was the increasing influence of Christianity and Church in political and cultural matters. The Church virtually became the … Read more

Middle Ages Art

The Middle Ages have received their named based on the impression of a relative lack of progress and productivity in the length of time between antiquity and the Renaissance.  Despite the early widespread belief that these were”Dark Ages”, the art that remains testifies to a devout and creative people, more innovative than often credited. Unlike … Read more

Middle Ages Torture: Devices & Techniques

The Middle Ages was violent and marked by widespread tumult. These was a undeniably barbarous period in which the local lawmakers were driven by outwardly feelings of pitilessness, which further led to the unashamed middle ages torture of slaves, prisoners and other offenders . Torture chambers were a feature in most of the castles and … Read more

The Truth About Medieval Torture

We have a love hate relationship with the concept of what medieval torture was really like.  On one hand, modern culture is predominantly against torture as a means to gain information or as punishment for crimes.  Great pains are often taken to inflict punishment for even despicable and cruel crimes that does not impose undue suffering on the guilty. 

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Life of Peasants in Medieval Times

When we enjoy entertainment or festivals that celebrate medieval life and times, it is the life of royalty, traveling bards, monks of knights that are most often the focus of our attention.  Few of us would want to celebrate the lives of peasants and surfs during the middle ages.  There is good reason for that.  … Read more