The Middle Ages lasted hundreds of years, from about 500 A.D. to the 1500s. As such, much of the information from that time has been lost, skewed, and altered entirely into something else.
With the help of historians, archaeologists, and researchers, we have been able to piece together truths about what happened in that time. Let’s debunk some misconceptions and get some facts straight.
1. Women Did Nothing
Women were oppressed and treated differently in the deeply patriarchal society of the time, but that doesn’t mean they did absolutely nothing. Familial duties aside, women actively participated in society in all its forms: politically, economically, and socially.
Female merchants ran successful businesses, and women often stuck together during hard times. Famous women of the time include Joan of Arc and Catherine of Sienna.
2. People Ate Rotten Meat
Food historians have debunked this for years, but we’ll have to repeat it louder for everyone to hear. In the Middle Ages, people did not eat rotten meat. Eating rotten meat would make people sick, which would result in death, especially at that time.
The myth was perpetuated that people were using spices to mask the smell of rotten meat so they could eat it, but that’s not true. People used spices because they wanted flavor in their food.
3. Towns Were Dirty and Grimy
Contrary to the countless portrayals of medieval towns in movies and media, they are not as grimy or dirty as we think. Smelly? Perhaps, but numerous rules and laws were implemented to keep towns clean and animals in order, including waste management.
People knew they needed to manage the cleanliness of their space to keep pests and diseases away from their homes.
4. Medieval Battles Were Big and Messy
We often see big battles where soldiers are on opposite ends, charging at each other with all their might, but that’s unrealistic. In reality, big battles happened, but they occurred more strategically. Soldiers go into battle armed with battle tactics and in groups.
Furthermore, big battles weren’t popular in the Middle Ages. Sieges and raids, which were more stealthy and strategic, were preferred.
5. Everyone Died Young
For some reason, we are all led to believe that the average life expectancy of a person back then was around 30 years old. But in reality, that’s false. A child’s life expectancy may be reduced due to illnesses or diseases.
However, those who stayed healthy or survived lived an average life expectancy. There are many accounts of people living up to 80 years old.
6. Everyone Was Religious and Obeyed the Church
Like today, people had varying opinions and thoughts regarding religion and the church. So, no, not everyone was religious or obeyed the church mindlessly.
Additionally, the church was not an all-powerful entity that held sway over everyone in a community. People back then had their own beliefs and willpower, much like the people of today.
7. Peasants Were Slow-Witted
Low-income peasant farmers who were illiterate and did not attend school were usually labeled as slow-witted, but that’s far from the truth. These peasants were highly involved in agriculture and even invoked laws during protests for their rights.
They’re knowledgeable about their needs and practices regarding their farms and land. Honestly, the only thing they can’t do is read, which wasn’t that big of an issue back then.
8. Witch Trials Were Common
Witch trials started towards the end of the Middle Ages, so they weren’t significant events or as common during those decades. Witches and witchcraft were relatively unknown until about the 14th century.
The situation escalated during the 16th and 18th centuries when societies at large were infected with the witch craze.
9. Primae Noctis Was a Thing
The whole idea of Primae Noctis is revolting, and there were no recorded instances of it being part of the law or practices at the time. For those not in the know, Primae Noctis allowed lords rights over their servants, which included taking a bride’s virginity on her first night in bed.
This occurred in remote areas before the Middle Ages if it had been an actual practice. 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 battle. Horns can be knocked off, and helmets do not have straps to keep them in place, making them highly impractical.
The concept of horned helmets emerged in the 19th century when artists and costume designers perpetuated the idea in their art and operas.
11. Chastity Belts Were Common
Largely a myth or used as a joke, chastity belts were said to be worn by women and wives when their husbands left to join the crusade. This way, they would remain pure and unable to engage in illegitimate affairs.
A military engineer’s depiction of the chastity belt did garner attention; however, it was later interpreted as a joke. There are many fake versions of the chastity belt that others have tried to pass off as medieval, so beware.
12. People Were Flat-Earthers
Most medieval scholars were aware that the Earth was round, and they believed it to be perfectly round.
The idea that medieval people thought the Earth was flat emerged in the 19th century, mainly through a fictionalized biography of Christopher Columbus by Washington Irving. A section of the book featured experts calling the planet flat, but the idea was entirely made up.
13. People Didn’t Bathe Frequently
Similar to the idea that medieval towns were dirty and grimy, everyone thinks that people from the Middle Ages were equally stinky and dirty at all times.
That’s far from the truth, however. Evidence shows that people of that time took consistent baths and tried to keep themselves clean. There were bathhouses in every town, and grooming tools were highly popular.
14. People Did Not Venture From Their Hometowns
One long-standing misconception of the time was that communities and societies were not diverse or had never ventured out of their hometowns. Genetic evidence paints a different picture, though.
People in the Middle Ages often traveled around for better opportunities, especially in cities. Some ventured to foreign lands due to war or slavery as well. One thing is certain: they moved around a lot, especially as groups.
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Source: Medievalists
