What was a villain in medieval times?
A villein (or villain) was the most common type of serf in the Middle Ages. Villeins had more rights and a higher status than the lowest serf, but existed under a number of legal restrictions that differentiated them from freemen. Villeins generally rented small homes with or without land.
How horrible was life in the Middle Ages?
Life was harsh, with a limited diet and little comfort. Women were subordinate to men, in both the peasant and noble classes, and were expected to ensure the smooth running of the household. Children had a 50% survival rate beyond age one, and began to contribute to family life around age twelve.
Who was the most evil medieval king?
The Most ‘Evil’ Rulers of the Middle Ages
- 1) Andronikos I Komnenos – Byzantine Emperor (1183-5)
- 2) Pedro the Cruel – King of Castile and León (1350-69)
- 3) John – King of England (1199-1216)
- 4) William the Bad – King of Sicily (1154-66)
- 5) Sviatopolk the Accursed – Grand Prince of Rus’ (1015-9)
What exactly was pottage?
listen); from Old French pottage ‘food cooked in a pot’) is a term for a thick soup or stew made by boiling vegetables, grains, and, if available, meat or fish. It was a staple food for many centuries.
Who was the kindest king of all time?
Æthelstan was the grandson of Alfred the Great and was the first man to be recognised as king of all England. It is difficult to be certain about the personality of figures from so long ago, but accounts of Æthelstan suggest that he was of devout Christian faith and showed compassion and charity to all.
Was medieval water safe?
People in the Middle Ages were also well aware that not all water was safe to drink – in addition to polluted water, which would be largely confined to urban areas, it was common knowledge to avoid obtaining water from marshy areas or places of standing water.
