The Middle Ages lasted for hundreds of years from about 500 to 1500. So much of the information from that time was lost, distorted and turned into something else entirely.
With the help of historians, archaeologists and researchers, we were able to piece together the truth about what happened at that time. Let’s debunk some misconceptions and get some facts straight.
1. The women did nothing
In the deeply patriarchal society of that time, women were oppressed and treated differently, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t do anything. Aside from family duties, women actively participated in all forms of society: political, economic and social.
Women merchants ran successful businesses and women often stuck together in times of trouble. Famous women of the era include Joan of Arc and Catherine of Sienna.
2. People Ate Rotten Meat
Food historians have been debunking this for years, but we need to repeat it louder for all to hear. In the Middle Ages, people did not eat rotten meat. Eating rotten meat would have made people sick, which would have resulted in death, especially at that time.
The myth was perpetuated that people used spices to mask the smell of rotting meat so they could eat it, but this is not true. People used spices because they wanted flavor in their food.
3. Cities were Filthy and Filthy
Contrary to countless depictions of medieval cities in movies and media, they are not as dirty and dirty as we think. Smelly? Perhaps, but numerous regulations and laws have been implemented to keep cities clean and keep animals in order, including waste management.
People knew that they needed to manage the cleanliness of their spaces to keep pests and diseases away from their homes.
4. Medieval battles were large and messy
We often see great battles where soldiers are on opposite sides, attacking each other with all their might, but this is not realistic. In reality, there were major battles, but they were more strategic. Soldiers are armed with battle tactics and go into battle in groups.
Moreover, large battles were not popular in the Middle Ages. More stealthy and strategic sieges and raids were preferred.
5. Everyone Died Young
For some reason, we all believe that the average human lifespan back then was around 30 years old. But in reality this is a lie. A child’s lifespan may be shortened due to diseases or illnesses.
But those who remained healthy or survived lived an average life. People who live into their 80s have multiple accounts.
6. All were Religious and obeyed the Church
Like today, people had different ideas and thoughts about religion and church. So, no, not everyone was religious or mindlessly obeying the church.
Furthermore, the church was not a powerful institution that ruled over everyone in a society. The people of that time had their own beliefs and will, just like the people of today.
7. The villagers were smart
Low-income peasant farmers who were illiterate and did not go to school were usually labeled as intelligent, but this is far from the truth. These villagers were heavily involved in agriculture and even resorted to the law during protests for their rights.
They are knowledgeable about their needs and experiences with their farms and land. To be honest, the only thing they can’t do is read, which wasn’t that big of a problem back then.
8. Witch trials were common
Witch trials began in the late Middle Ages, so they were not significant events or common during these decades. Witches and witchcraft were unknown until about the 14th century.
The situation became acute in the 16th and 18th centuries when societies at large became infected with the witchcraft craze.
9. Primae Noctis was a thing
The whole idea of Primae Noctis is revolting and there was no recorded instance of it being part of law or practice at the time. For those who don’t know, Primae Noctis gave lords rights to their slaves, including taking the bride’s virginity on her first night in bed.
If this was an actual practice, it occurred in remote areas before the Middle Ages. But no, it’s not real.
10. Vikings had horned helmets
As cool as horns and feathers look on helmets, they’re not practical for combat. The horns are removable and the helmets have no straps to keep them in place, making them quite practical.
The concept of the horned helmet originated in the 19th century when artists and costume designers continued the idea in their art and operas.
11. Chastity belts were common
Used as a big myth or joke, chastity belts were said to be worn by women and wives when their husbands left to join the Crusades. In this way, they will remain pure and will not be able to get involved in illegal activities.
The image of a military engineer’s chastity belt attracted attention; but it was later interpreted as a joke. There are many fake versions of the chastity belt that others try to pass off as medieval, so be careful.
12. People were Flat Natives
Most medieval scientists knew that the Earth was round and believed that it was perfectly round.
The idea that medieval people thought the Earth was flat emerged in the 19th century, mainly through Washington Irving’s fictional biography of Christopher Columbus. Part of the book featured experts calling the planet flat, but the idea was completely fabricated.
13. People did not bathe often
Just like the idea that medieval cities were dirty and dirty, everyone thinks that medieval people were always equally smelly and dirty.
But this is far from the truth. Evidence shows that people of that time bathed regularly and tried to keep themselves clean. Every town had baths and grooming tools were very popular.
14. People did not leave their hometowns
One of the long-held misconceptions of the time was that communities and societies were not diverse, or that they never moved beyond their hometowns. Genetic evidence paints a different picture.
In the Middle Ages, people often traveled for better opportunities, especially in cities. Some also went to foreign countries because of war or slavery. One thing is certain: they moved a lot, especially in groups.
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Source: Middle Ages
