Food in the Middle Ages was expensive and hard to preserve.  Its preparation and preservation changed little over the time period (5th-16th centuries).  The early modern time period which proceeded was essential to European history.  This is when European diet and cooking began to change and shape what would make up the foundations for modern … Read more

Farming in the Middle Ages was done by peasants and serfs.  Peasant farmers made just enough money to live on while serfs had no rights and were all but slaves to the lords whose land they lived on.  Some serf farmers eventually earned rights in exchange for back-breaking work seven days a week and on-command … Read more

Famous people from the middle ages range from kings and queens, artists and writers, lords and nobles, merchants and clergymen. Here are some of the most notable figures of the medieval times: Marco Polo Marco Polo was born in the year 1254 and died in 1324. It is not clear where he was born but … Read more

During antiquity the primary ruling body in Europe was the Roman Empire.  The reach of this Empire was enormous, and despite the problems associated with this rule, it served to unite almost the entire European continent.  After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE, Europe settled into a long period new referred to … Read more

At the end of the Roman Empire Era, most of the educational institutes of Romans ceased to offer their services. Gradually, Education was not the main concern anymore and fighting skills became more important. Most of the rulers and politicians of this historical time gained power either through wars or inheritance while education played a … Read more

The clothing worn by men and women in the Middle Ages differed based on social standing, occupation, and climate.  In general, medieval clothing was practical above all else, particularly for the peasants and lower classes.  The nobility and clergy were able to experiment more with luxurious fabrics and decorations, but practicality was still a significant … Read more

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

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 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, 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