⏱️ 4 min read
The medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, was filled with fascinating customs, beliefs, and practices that might surprise modern readers. From unusual dining habits to peculiar medical treatments, this era offers a treasure trove of intriguing historical facts that shed light on how our ancestors lived.
Medieval Facts That May Surprise You
1. Beds Were Luxury Items
In medieval times, beds were considered such valuable possessions that they were often listed in wills and passed down through generations. Most people slept on straw-filled mattresses on the floor, while elaborate four-poster beds were symbols of wealth and status. The phrase “sleep tight” originated from this period, referring to the ropes that needed regular tightening to support the mattress.
2. Bread Was Used as Plates
Known as “trenchers,” stale bread slices served as plates during medieval feasts. These edible dishes would soak up sauces and juices throughout the meal. Afterward, these sauce-soaked trenchers were either eaten by the diners or given to the poor as alms.
3. Blue Teeth Were Fashion Statements
Medieval nobility often deliberately stained their teeth blue using dyes made from woad plants. This practice was particularly popular among women and was considered a sign of aristocratic refinement. The bluer the teeth, the more prestigious the person was perceived to be.
4. Animals Could Be Put on Trial
Medieval courts regularly conducted trials against animals accused of crimes. From pigs charged with murder to rats prosecuted for destroying crops, these animals were assigned lawyers and underwent formal legal proceedings. Some were even sentenced to death if found guilty.
5. Knights Weren’t Always Noble
Contrary to popular belief, not all knights came from noble families. During the later Middle Ages, successful merchants and wealthy peasants could purchase knighthoods. This practice, known as “social mobility through service,” helped create a new class of military elite.
6. Medical Treatment Involved Astrology
Medieval doctors consulted astronomical charts before treating patients. They believed different body parts were governed by specific zodiac signs and planets. Blood-letting, a common treatment, was only performed when the stars were deemed to be in favorable positions.
7. Football Was Considered Dangerous
Medieval football was so violent that several English kings banned it. Unlike modern football, these games involved entire villages, had few rules, and could last for days. Players could be seriously injured or killed during these matches, which often resulted in property damage.
8. Cats Were Associated with Evil
During the Middle Ages, cats, particularly black ones, were often associated with witchcraft and the devil. This superstition led to widespread persecution of cats, which ironically contributed to the spread of the Black Death, as fewer cats meant more disease-carrying rats.
9. Universities Began as Religious Institutions
The first medieval universities were established by the Catholic Church primarily to train clergy. However, they eventually expanded to include subjects like law, medicine, and mathematics. Students often started their education as young as 14 and could study for over a decade.
10. Married Couples Shared Their Bath Water
Despite popular belief that medieval people never bathed, many did practice regular bathing. However, due to the effort required to heat water, family members would share the same bathwater. The tradition of men bathing first, followed by women and then children, gave rise to the phrase “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
Historical Significance
These fascinating aspects of medieval life provide valuable insights into how society functioned during this pivotal period. While some practices may seem strange or primitive by modern standards, they reflect the ingenuity and adaptability of people living in challenging times. Understanding these historical facts helps us appreciate how far human civilization has progressed while recognizing the foundations laid by our medieval ancestors.
Many of these medieval customs and beliefs continued to influence European society well into the Renaissance period and beyond. Some echoes of these practices can even be found in modern idioms and social customs, demonstrating the lasting impact of medieval culture on contemporary life.
