So You Think You Know Everything About the Middle Ages
When most people think of the Middle Ages, images of chivalrous knights, bloody jousting tournaments, and drunk kings are conjured up. While these images aren't too far off from the truth of this time period, there are many facts and trivia of which people aren't aware. Some facts are interesting, some give us a glimpse into our own modern traditions and lineage, and others are just plain bizarre. Here are 5 facts you may not have previously known about the Middle Ages:
As crazy as it sounds, it's true. Animals were held under the same laws as humans and could be tried in court for crimes. Cows, goats, pigs, horses, and dogs could be held accountable if they broke any laws. Animals were even sentenced to death if they were found guilty of a crime. While scholars debate the actual reasoning that animals could be tried (they tend to go back and forth on whether humans believed that the animals were morally aware) there is one thing the scholars agree on: people in the Middle Ages went to great lengths to try and uphold animals to the same extent of the law as they did humans.
2. We still practice many wedding traditions that were practiced during the Middle Ages
While many things have changed over time and history, we can sometimes still see a clear path from traditions we practice now and their origins. This holds true for certain modern wedding celebrations and traditions that were practiced during the Middle Ages. The arrangement of the woman standing on the left side has been around since the Middle Ages. Many people believe a woman stood on the left during wedding ceremonies so that the man's fighting arm was free in case he had to rescue his bride from kidnappers, robbers, and murderers who might decide to crash the wedding.
3. Gothic cathedrals were the tallest structures in cities
The gothic style of architecture, which is most known for its high peaks, rose windows, spires, and baroque façades, was extremely popular during the Middle Ages. During this time, the cathedral was most often the tallest structure in the city. It was usually placed as the pinnacle of towns.
4. Knights wouldn't exist without an invention from India
Without the invention of the stirrup, which was brought to England during the crusades and modified, the valiant knight might never have existed. The stirrup and saddle was the key to a knight's position and leverage on his horse during battles and jousts.
5. Monks brewed the best beer
Monks carefully guarded the art of a good brew after the collapse of the Roman Empire. It was during the Middle Ages that hops became widely used in beer, and the process of distillation was created. Monks, alchemists, and physicians believed that distilled alcohol was a medical cure for ailments. They often prescribed it to people during the black plague, which led to increased consumption by the entire country.
If you'd like more information about the Middle Ages, go to MedievalTimes.com to learn more.
- 1. Animals could go on trial for committing crimes
As crazy as it sounds, it's true. Animals were held under the same laws as humans and could be tried in court for crimes. Cows, goats, pigs, horses, and dogs could be held accountable if they broke any laws. Animals were even sentenced to death if they were found guilty of a crime. While scholars debate the actual reasoning that animals could be tried (they tend to go back and forth on whether humans believed that the animals were morally aware) there is one thing the scholars agree on: people in the Middle Ages went to great lengths to try and uphold animals to the same extent of the law as they did humans.
2. We still practice many wedding traditions that were practiced during the Middle Ages
While many things have changed over time and history, we can sometimes still see a clear path from traditions we practice now and their origins. This holds true for certain modern wedding celebrations and traditions that were practiced during the Middle Ages. The arrangement of the woman standing on the left side has been around since the Middle Ages. Many people believe a woman stood on the left during wedding ceremonies so that the man's fighting arm was free in case he had to rescue his bride from kidnappers, robbers, and murderers who might decide to crash the wedding.
3. Gothic cathedrals were the tallest structures in cities
The gothic style of architecture, which is most known for its high peaks, rose windows, spires, and baroque façades, was extremely popular during the Middle Ages. During this time, the cathedral was most often the tallest structure in the city. It was usually placed as the pinnacle of towns.
4. Knights wouldn't exist without an invention from India
Without the invention of the stirrup, which was brought to England during the crusades and modified, the valiant knight might never have existed. The stirrup and saddle was the key to a knight's position and leverage on his horse during battles and jousts.
5. Monks brewed the best beer
Monks carefully guarded the art of a good brew after the collapse of the Roman Empire. It was during the Middle Ages that hops became widely used in beer, and the process of distillation was created. Monks, alchemists, and physicians believed that distilled alcohol was a medical cure for ailments. They often prescribed it to people during the black plague, which led to increased consumption by the entire country.
If you'd like more information about the Middle Ages, go to MedievalTimes.com to learn more.
