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Start for freeUnraveling the Sounds of Medieval English
Imagine speaking English but with every vowel pronounced as in French and every letter sounded out loud. This gives a glimpse of what English sounded like during medieval times. For instance, 'wife' would be 'weef' and 'house' would be 'hoos'. Even the Lord's Prayer had a distinct pronunciation that significantly differs from today's English.
Deciphering the Term 'Middle Ages'
The term 'Middle Ages' was coined long after this historical period had ended, spanning roughly from 500 to 1500 AD. This era is sandwiched between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. The High Middle Ages (1000-1300 AD) marked a golden era with significant developments such as universities and majestic cathedrals.
Historical Inspirations Behind Game of Thrones
The infamous Red Wedding in Game of Thrones draws parallels to a real event in Scottish history - the Black Dinner of 1440. George R.R. Martin mirrors historical conflicts like the Wars of the Roses through his fictional houses, Lannisters and Starks, akin to Lancaster and York.
Medieval Sleep Patterns vs. Modern Day
Unlike today’s single sleep cycle, medieval people had a biphasic sleep pattern. They would sleep shortly after dusk, wake around midnight for activities or socializing, then return to sleep until dawn. This natural rhythm was disrupted only with the advent of electricity.
Debunking Medieval Torture Myths
Contrary to popular belief, many infamous medieval torture devices were either invented post-Middle Ages or are entirely fictional creations by later historians aiming to paint this era as barbaric compared to their own.
Favorite Medieval Castles - A Scholar’s Pick
Among numerous castles, Windsor Castle stands out for its classic motte-and-bailey design featuring defensive structures essential for protection rather than luxury.
Misconceptions About Hygiene in Medieval Times
The notion that medieval times were wholly unsanitary is misleading. Many cities had bathhouses and systems for maintaining cleanliness despite challenges like open sewers.
The Black Death’s Devastation
The Black Death was catastrophic, wiping out a significant portion of Europe’s population between 1346-1353 without any medical remedies like vaccines available at that time.
The Emotional Depth of Medieval People
The high infant mortality rates did not prevent parents from forming strong emotional attachments with their children, contrary to some beliefs about medieval coldness.
The Reality Behind Jousting Tournaments
The sport began as military training but evolved over time to become a spectacle for entertainment during grand tournaments attended primarily by nobility.
The legal system extended even to animals in medieval England; creatures could be tried and even convicted for crimes believed to be influenced by supernatural forces.
The legend surrounding King Arthur remains shrouded in mystery; while artifacts suggest his existence around Avalon, definitive proof remains elusive.
Article created from: https://youtu.be/7x8IW3XnYfo?si=ChK47KsWXMXm3cN6
