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[Misc] things historians got wrong about the Dark Ages



Albion my Albion

Albion my Albion

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1.
Back in the Dark Ages, people didn't bother to change fashion as quickly as they did in later periods. Women largely invested in garments made of tough, durable materials that could last a lifetime. However, wealthy women and the aristocracy took great pride in their appearance by wearing more attractive clothing made of finer fabrics and detailed ornamentation.

A base layer of a linen under-dress that stretched from the shoulder down to ankle length was often worn by Medieval women. That's right, no underwear. On top, a wool strap dress of a shorter length would be worn. Women took a great interest in headgear during the High and Late Middle Ages. Fashionable and durable hats were often worn.
 




Albion my Albion

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2.
In the early 13th century, Pope Gregory IX pronounced all cats Satan's tools. Cats, especially black cats, were tortured and killed because they were thought to be Luciferian. This was part of the church's longstanding campaign to demonize pagan religions, rituals, and ideals. Once the cat was connected with Satan, it was tortured and killed.

Many did this to stave off bad luck, show loyalty to Christ, or as part of ailuromancy rituals (using cats to foresee the future). Some think that the Black Death was caused by the plague-infected rats population exploding due to cat hunting. However, this notion is not widely accepted as there is no conclusive evidence connecting the two events. But.. You know.. You have a brain.
 




Albion my Albion

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3.
The Medieval Church rose to dominance when the Roman Empire fell in the fifth century. With Roman Catholic beliefs, the Medieval Church was viewed as a mediator between God and the people, and the clergy was considered the "gatekeepers to heaven," inspiring reverence, wonder, and dread. Unfortunately, at the time, no European monarchy emerged to fill the power vacuum.

Instead, the Catholic Church of the Middle Ages rose to conquer Europe. Thus, many socioeconomic classes paid tax to the Church in the form of a 10% tax of their income or wealth going to the Pope. The Church created much of the period's literature, and in Medieval agricultural culture, clerics had rare opportunities to learn to read and write.
 


Albion my Albion

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4.
Throughout the Dark Ages, merchants were widely despised. They were expelled from the feudal system and punished for prioritizing money above religious responsibilities. It is because they were resellers or usurers rather than producers, their profit-seeking was seen as violating "God's laws." Despite prejudice, merchants dominated the economies and cultures of newly founded and growing towns.


Various municipal guilds were created by grocers, spice merchants, cobblers, apothecaries, and goldsmiths alike. Even among early merchants, the church was hostile, even to banking and commerce, which they themselves used. The church persuaded people that they were evil and encouraged many to shun them. It was these few who became responsible for what we now know today as currency.
 




Albion my Albion

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5.
During the Dark Ages, animals were also held accountable for their actions. From rodents to livestock, animals were put on trial for their crimes, just like humans. These trials, known as animal trials, were often held in public, and the animals were often represented by a lawyer or a defender.


The animal trials were based on the belief that animals, like humans, were capable of committing crimes and sins. In many cases, the animals were accused of causing damage to crops or livestock or even of attacking and killing people. These trials were held by the church and were considered a way to show that justice was being served in society.
 


Albion my Albion

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6.
In the 1330s, Petrarch, an Italian scholar and poet, used the phrase "Dark Ages" (476 AD–1000 AD) to characterize the decrease in Latin writing after the collapse of the Western Roman empire. Many call this time the "Dark Ages" because it witnessed little scientific and cultural progress. Medieval historians have disregarded the phrase since it doesn't hold up.

Most modern historians dismiss the idea that the era was a "Dark Age" because it was based on ignorance and popular stereotypes. Many previous authors assumed the era was a violent and stagnant time and used this assumption to prove it. Scholars today refer to the time frame as The Middle Ages.
 


Albion my Albion

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7.
Throughout the Dark Ages, women's lives were often impacted by their social status and religious beliefs. Women were associated with Biblical figures such as Eve and the Virgin Mary when it came to their moral and vocational responsibilities in society. Women were generally considered the property of their closest male relatives under medieval European laws and cultural practices.

Women worked just as hard as men but were not compensated as well. They regularly worked in the fields alongside their husbands and fathers, but their achievements were seldom acknowledged. In the Dark Ages, women were classified as having two career options: mother or holy lady, with lady-of-the-night or chattel filling in the gaps. Regrettably, for the most part, this stereotype is accurate.
 




Albion my Albion

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8.
Women Liberated With Religion
During this time, women's roles in religion were often dictated by their social status and religious beliefs. In medieval art, the responsibility of women for the 'original sin' is often emphasized by giving a female head to the serpent who tempts Eve to disobey God. The story underlined the belief that women were inferior to men.

Despite these ideas, some women were able to hold very powerful positions in the church. An examination of female mystics and religious groups, their lives, and the work they created reveals that these women used their connection with their bodies and gender to build a framework of spiritual liberation for themselves and the women around them.
 


Albion my Albion

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9.
Low Class Women Had Greater Equality

The Church and nobility regulated women's rights throughout the Dark Ages. The feudal system, which separated society into clergy, nobles, and serfs, kept everyone in their place, while the medieval Church gave the "big picture" of life and one's role. Women were only allowed to be nuns in the church.

Because land meant power, noble women's status was determined by how much land they brought to the marriage, which affected their quality of living and autonomy. Yet, because serfs, male and female, lived a hard existence and worked alongside men in the fields and medieval guilds, they had greater freedom of expression than women of other classes; such as freedom to dress, act, and marry however they liked.
 


Albion my Albion

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Saved the best for 10.
Women Didn't Wear Briefs

Women didn't wear briefs of any variety during the Dark Ages. Bras and underpants weren't thought to exist in that time and place—historians have generally agreed women wore only chemise or shifts beneath their clothes. During the Dark Ages, women’s undergarments were quite different from what we know today.
I
t's wildly accepted that women wore a loose top, like a shirt, under their garments, rather than what we see today. A chemise was a loose-fitting undergarment that was worn next to the skin to protect clothing from sweat and body oils. It was usually made of linen and was the only garment that was washed regularly. The shift was similar to the chemise but was longer and a bit roomier.
 




Albion my Albion

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11.
Married People Engaged in "Courtly Love"

In the Middle Ages, married people could still engage in "courtly love" with others. This concept involved a chivalric form of admiration and affection, often conducted outside of marriage. It was characterized by noble gestures, poetic exchanges, and secret meetings.

Courtly love allowed knights and ladies to express romantic desires within a socially accepted framework, without challenging the sanctity of marriage. Such relationships were usually non-physical and idealized, focusing on emotional connection and admiration rather than physical intimacy. This practice reflected the complex social and cultural norms of medieval society.
 


Albion my Albion

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12.
English Men Had Mandatory Archery Training

In the Middle Ages, English men underwent mandatory archery training as decreed by several monarchs. Starting with King Edward III in the 14th century, laws required all males aged 15 to 60 to practice archery regularly. This policy aimed to ensure a well-prepared and skilled populace capable of defending the realm.

Archery practice was typically conducted on Sundays and holidays, with penalties imposed for non-compliance. This widespread training contributed significantly to England's military successes, notably at battles like Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War.
 


Albion my Albion

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13.
The Challenges of Getting a Good Deal

In the Middle Ages, getting a good deal at the market was challenging due to various factors. Markets were unregulated, leading to inconsistent pricing and the potential for fraud. Weights and measures varied widely, making it difficult for buyers to ensure fair transactions. Additionally, the lack of standardized currency and frequent use of bartering complicated trade.

Buyers needed to be knowledgeable and wary to navigate these challenges effectively. Haggling was common, and relationships with merchants often influenced the outcome of transactions. This environment required sharp bargaining skills and vigilance to secure a fair deal.
 




Albion my Albion

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14.
Long-Toed Shoes Were Popular

In the Middle Ages, long-toed shoes, known as "poulaines" or "crakows," were popular, especially among the nobility. These shoes featured elongated, pointed toes that sometimes extended several inches beyond the foot.

The style emerged in the 14th century and symbolized status and wealth, as the impractical design indicated that the wearer did not engage in manual labor. The length of the toes was often regulated by sumptuary laws to curb excess. While fashionable, these shoes eventually fell out of favor due to their impracticality and the changing tastes of the time.
 


C

Cheeky Monkey

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Sex before any semblance or understanding of personal hygiene, eons before the invention of even basic soap, must have been pretty grim. It's a wonder the human race didn't die out. I guess a nosegay of posies held under the nostrils was the order of the day to get through it.
 


Albion my Albion

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15.
Swans Were a Delicacy

In the Middle Ages, swans were considered a delicacy, primarily consumed by the wealthy and nobility. Swans were often served at feasts and banquets, symbolizing luxury and status.

These birds were typically prepared with elaborate recipes, reflecting their high value in medieval cuisine. Ownership of swans was regulated, and they were often marked to denote ownership. This exclusivity reinforced their status as a prized dish reserved for special occasions and significant guests.
 






Albion my Albion

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16.
Gargoyles Prevented Water Damage

In the Middle Ages, gargoyles were functional architectural elements used to prevent water damage to buildings. These carved stone figures served as water spouts, directing rainwater away from the structure's walls and foundation. By channeling water through their mouths and away from the masonry, gargoyles helped reduce erosion and decay.

Their grotesque and imaginative designs also had symbolic purposes, believed to ward off evil spirits. This dual functionality made gargoyles a practical and protective feature in medieval architecture.
 


Albion my Albion

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Cheeky Monkey said:
Sex before any semblance or understanding of personal hygiene, eons before the invention of even basic soap, must have been pretty grim. It's a wonder the human race didn't die out. I guess a nosegay of posies held under the nostrils was the order of the day to get through it.
Click to expand...

17.
People Were More Hygienic Than You Think

In the Middle Ages, people practiced more hygiene than often assumed. Regular bathing was common, with public bathhouses available in many towns. Personal grooming, such as hair washing and tooth cleaning, was also part of daily routines.

Herbal remedies and natural soaps were used for cleanliness. Additionally, some cities implemented waste removal systems and promoted clean streets to maintain public health. These practices indicate a greater awareness and effort toward hygiene than the period is typically credited for.
 


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