Medieval Society
Medieval society was complex, and was not so far away from what we would call a modern one. It was governed by laws, it had rules, people had rights and obligations. There was a legal framework of land tenure, taxation and fiscal immunities. There was an urban organization and a rural one. The Feudal system had laws regarding the relationship between lords and peasants, and between the seigneurs and the monarch.
Any society requires some sort of armed force, and the Middle Ages one is no different. Military organization was remarkable, based on the corps of hereditary aristocracy and their households, but also including bodies of professional soldiers, and the national levies.
It was not a primitive or low civilization, and we may dare to say that it differed from ours more in kind than in degree, and, in its own kind, we cannot deny its majesty. Modern institutions were in part shaped during the Medieval times.
To better understand the traits of the Medieval society, you might want to look at the resources here provided:
- Medieval Life - A general view on the life of upper classes, the emergence of bourgeoisie, and life in the countryside.
- Medieval Kings - About royal domains, residences and households. Interesting examples of some austere kings who tried to curb the extravagances of their subjects.
- Medieval Castle Life - A brief history of life in the medieval castles, from the 9th century to the 15th Century. Rooms arrangement, and the increasing tendency towards comfort and luxury.
- Medieval House - Looking at the exterior, interior and decorations of a house in the Middle Ages. The merchants becoming richer, and their houses evolving towards stately mansions.
- Medieval Decor - The private interior in castles and ordinary houses is offering an insight into the private life of the time.
- Medieval Village - About farming the land, pastimes, happy and less happy days in an English village. Condition of the medieval peasants. The rules governing the medieval market, and the fairs.
- Medieval Fashion - A history of Medieval fashion from the 8th century till the 15th Century, and the Italian influence refining the fashion at the end of the period.
- Medieval Food - Leavening bread, essential types of food in Medieval France, and methods of preservation.
- Medieval Drinks - Honey sweetened beer, strongly flavoured wine, the import of wines, and... discovering the brandy.
- Medieval Feast - The lavishness of a multi course feast, from food to the table adornments.
- Medieval Entertainment - An overview of the preferred forms of entertainment, among them dancing and hunting.
- Medieval Hunting History - About the different branches of the preferred sport of the nobles, methods and utensils used.
- Medieval Games - Diversifying the lives of all classes, many Medieval games are the ancestors of the ones we enjoy today.
- Medieval Guilds - Organization, their statutes and privileges, and royal decrees strengthening their position in the Medieval society.
- Medieval Merchants - In a more secure environment, sustained by the increasing royal power, they promoted commerce, and the development of the manufacturing industry.
- Medieval Punishment - In the Middle Ages there were laws, thus there was punishment. The methods varied depending on the province, and so did the social status of the executioner.
- Medieval Medicine - A history of medicine from the early 5th Century till the late Middle Ages. The Schools, the instruments used and the hospitals.
- Roles Of Women In The Middle Ages - About the position of women, and their influence upon the Medieval society.
