Middle Ages Misnceptions Debunked: Exposing 12 Prevalent Fallsacies Regarding Life During the Middle Ages

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The Middle Ages, often portrayed as a time of darkness and ignorance, were in fact a period of remarkable complexity and innovation. From the strategic involvement of peasants in protests and legal systems, to the establishment of sophisticated commercial patterns and the emergence of 'super companies', this era was rich with intrigue and advancement.

In the realm of commerce, complex systems of credit underpinned the emergence of extremely sophisticated commercial patterns. The 14th-century saw the birth of these 'super companies', precursors to modern commercial practices.

Religious thinking was also a driving force during this period. The medieval universities encouraged religious thinking, leading to paradigm-shifting advances as scholars posed fundamental questions about the nature of God. The Church, while not imposing absolute religious uniformity, did actively encourage sophisticated religious thinking.

Medieval people were not only religious, but also practical. Many turned to amulets and charms to deal with ill health or pregnancy. Yet, they were also concerned about physical violence and tried to channel and contain it.

The Middle Ages were not devoid of humour either. Material evidence suggests a society imbued with wit and humor, with jokes ranging from subtle to bawdy. From an invoice sealed with cheese to a merchant's note about his cat urinating on parchment, medieval humour was as diverse as it was entertaining.

The role of women in medieval society was significant. Women like Katharina von Siena, Pétronille de Chemillé, and the Princess Abbess of the Fraumünster Abbey in Zurich, wielded influence in church politics, prevented arranged marriages, led powerful abbeys, and held secular authority.

Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, and Catherine of Siena were other extraordinary women who achieved great notoriety during the Middle Ages. Their stories are a testament to the active and critical participation of women in social, economic, and political life.

Despite the high mortality rates during the Black Death, many examples of village elders in their eighties can be found. This suggests a level of resilience and survival skills that were crucial in medieval times.

Interestingly, most medieval people understood that the world was spherical. Their knowledge was not limited to their immediate surroundings, thanks to travel, pilgrimages, trade, and commerce. Many were well-informed about the world beyond their home.

The average heights in the Middle Ages were similar to those in the 10th through 19th centuries, with women averaging around 158cm and men around 170cm.

In conclusion, the Middle Ages were a time of strategic protests, sophisticated commerce, religious innovation, humour, and the active participation of women. Despite the high levels of physical violence, there was a real sense of concern about its harm and a focus on maintaining clean and healthy towns. The Middle Ages, far from being a dark age, were a vibrant and dynamic period in human history.