Have you ever been curious about life during the Middle Ages, an era full of mystery and harsh realities? Have you ever imagined traveling back in time to experience life as a medieval commoner?
The Middle Ages, also known as the Dark Ages, began after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and lasted until the start of the Renaissance in the 14th century. After more than 200 years of peace and prosperity under the “Pax Romana,” the collapse of this empire plunged Europe into a chaotic period, where the standards of civilization were overturned. Unless you were a noble, knight, or even a king, your life as a commoner during the Middle Ages was often associated with hardship, disease, and fear.
During this period, hygiene was a luxury as health safeguards and living conditions were virtually non-existent. Food was scarce, money was almost non-existent for the poor, and diseases spread rapidly in overcrowded living conditions. The punishments for crimes, whether minor or severe, were often extremely brutal. Nevertheless, it is astonishing that people still managed to survive and even sought out moments of joy in life.
The Middle Ages is also known as the Dark Ages.
A Day in the Life of a Medieval Commoner
The life of an ordinary person in the Middle Ages began very early. Around 4 a.m., the church bells rang, marking the time for the first mass of the day. However, if you were not part of the nobility, it was likely that you would miss this mass and start preparing for a long day of work at the market, which opened at 6 a.m.
Street vendors, blacksmiths, tailors, and other craftsmen had to work hard throughout the day, hoping to earn enough money to buy food for their families. The market usually closed around 3 p.m., but by 8 p.m., all activity had to cease as the city gates were locked and the night watch took over.
While commoners struggled with meager dinners, in the castles, the feasts of the nobility painted a completely different picture. Lavish food, abundant wine, and performances by jesters kept the atmosphere lively. Knights and nobles even engaged in various forms of entertainment, from dancing to violent tournaments.
The life of an ordinary person in the Middle Ages began early.
Survival during the Middle Ages depended on many factors, including social status, survival skills, and understanding of the culture and technology of that era. For a modern person, adapting to basic living conditions, dietary habits, and social rules could be a significant challenge.
Festivals and Daily Life
One interesting aspect of the Middle Ages is that they celebrated many festivals. It is estimated that about 8 weeks of the year were dedicated to holidays and events, most of which were related to the church. However, beyond religious ceremonies, towns also hosted numerous tournaments, where knights and warriors faced off in bloody sword fights, and even duels to the death between prisoners.
But alongside the festivities and banquets, medieval life was rife with bizarre trials. One common form of trial was the “trial by ordeal,” where the accused could be judged by being thrown into water. If the person sank, they were declared innocent, but if they floated, it was seen as evidence that they had renounced their baptism and consorted with evil. These laws, though absurd to us today, were a reality of the medieval legal system.
During this dark age, science and invention still advanced.
Despite many referring to the Middle Ages as the Dark Ages, the truth is that during this period, science and inventions still progressed. Intellectuals of the time recognized that the Earth was round and produced many significant inventions such as mechanical clocks and printing presses. However, these advancements were not enough to change the harsh living conditions for the majority of the population. A typical example is that rotten teeth were seen as a symbol of wealth, as they demonstrated that the person could afford sugar—a luxury item.
The Catastrophe of the 14th Century
The 14th century marked the darkest period of the Middle Ages as Europe was engulfed in famine, war, and especially the Plague, also known as the Black Death. This pandemic wiped out up to 60% of Europe’s population, shaking the economic and social foundations of the time. It took more than 200 years for Europe to recover its population and overcome the devastating aftermath of this catastrophe.
The 14th century marked the darkest period of the Middle Ages.
The Middle Ages played a crucial role in shaping the development of Europe and the modern world. Although life during this time was incredibly difficult and uncertain, it laid the groundwork for the Renaissance and the subsequent scientific revolution. However, would you be willing to travel back in time to experience medieval life, or would you prefer to remain comfortable in modernity? Perhaps a delicious meal at a medieval-themed restaurant would be a safer choice than having to rinse your mouth with vinegar after every meal!
