The Middle Ages is the period from the end of the Roman Civilization in the 5th century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 13th century. Scholars coined this name to refer to the period between their time, the 15th century and the fall of the Roman Empire. Also known as the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages have a bad reputation for minimal scientific advancements and bad politics. However, there were significant social changes, with the period also marking the beginning of nationalism. Check out these 13 interesting facts about the Middle Ages that you probably didn’t know.
1. Bathing was Not a Daily Routine During the Middle Ages
Hygiene was very different during the Middle Ages. For instance, bathing was not a daily activity. People used to bathe only on special occasions. However, it was customary to “top and tail”. People would clean the face, underarms, and nether regions.
2. Life Expectancy During the Middle Ages was 33 Years
People didn’t have a long lifespan during the Middle Ages because of high infant mortality rates. The average life expectancy was 33 years. More intriguingly, this was an increase from the 25-year life expectancy during the times of the Roman Empire.
3. There was a Stew that was Always Being Cooked Day and Night
During the Middle Ages, there was an ever-boiling stew called Perpetual Stew. It was mostly being cooked in inns and pubs and was served to travelers. This stew could be cooked for almost two months.
4. There is a Theory that the Middle Ages Didn’t Exist
According to the Phantom Time conspiracy theory, Heribert Illig asserted claims that the time from 614 to 911 AD never existed. This theory is based on the fact that there are no original historical documents from this period. The phantom time conspiracy also alleges that this period was fabricated by Pope Sylvester II and Otto III who was a Roman Emperor. Their agenda was to give their reigns a religious backing.
5. Cats were Considered Evil in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, the Church viewed cats as evil creatures. The reason behind this was that the Church considered previous pagan beliefs to be evil. Initially, pagans considered cats to be renowned members of society. Some cultures even worshipped cats. However, towards the end of the Middle Ages, cats had been domesticated because of their ability to control vermin infestations in a household.
6. People in the Middle Ages Believed Church Bells were Storm Dispersers
Being a church bell ringer during the Middle Ages was one of the worst jobs. At the time, it was believed that church bells would disperse storms. The exact opposite would happen, eventually leading to bell ringers being struck by lightning. The Parlement of Paris later banned this act.
7. Medieval Europeans Were Fully Aware Earth is Spherical
There is a popular myth that medieval Europeans believed in a flat earth; this is false. It was a myth propelled by Protestants to counter Catholics’ beliefs during the 17th century. People of the Medieval Ages were well aware that the earth was spherical.
8. The Original Word for Bear Was Lost in the Middle Ages
No one knows the original word for bear, as people stopped using it in the Middle Ages. During these times, people feared bears so much that they believed calling its name would summon it. So, they started calling it bear, which means the brown one.
9. Medieval Kings Shared a Bed as a Symbol of Unity
One of Medieval Europe’s most interesting diplomatic practices was when two kings slept on the same bed as a sign of unity.
10. Delousing was a Social Activity in the Middle Ages
Because lice were so prevalent in the Middle Ages, delousing was normalized and became a social activity. Women would meet and start delousing their kids or loved ones.
11. Breakfast wasn’t a Common Meal in Medieval Europe
Records of medieval food show that breakfast wasn’t an everyday meal, especially amongst regular folk. Most people would eat two meals in a day. Breakfast was mainly consumed by the elites or royalty. Before heading out to work or run errands, people of the Middle Ages would sometimes take a bite of bread and cheese.
12. Families in the Medieval Ages Slept on the Same Bed
Most families led a communal lifestyle, including sleeping on the same bed. Entire families would share one bed and even invite a visitor to join them. Couples would sleep in the middle, and girls would be positioned near the wall. The boys slept on the other side. Kids would be arranged according to their age.
13. Documentation of Smiling Started in the Middle Ages
The first smiling sculptures of human beings were documented during the Middle Ages from 650 to 480 BC. Apart from sculptures, Greek statues also portrayed people smiling. It was labelled as the Archaic smile.