Most of our knowledge of the Middle Ages comes from fantasy books, Monty Python movies, and TV shows. Therefore, some things we treat as facts are, in reality, nothing but myths.
The Middle Ages lasted for around a thousand years from 476 AD to the 15th century, so some of the things we believe in are mostly true, but let’s debunk the nine most popular misconceptions.
1. Medieval medicine was insane
We often imagine that the doctors of that time were completely bonkers and could saw off a person’s arm to rid him of an evil spirit. But in actuality, medical knowledge was progressing in leaps and bounds. Even to this day, we’re using some modified medieval practices – for example, how to treat burns or fight viruses.
2. Religion halted technological progress
Many believe that strict religious beliefs and diseases like the plague had a bad effect on scientific discoveries and progress. But factually speaking, thanks to the medieval church, we got mathematics and other sciences. In the Middle Ages, they invented typography, water wheels, windmills, glasses, and the magnetic compass. Many of these discoveries involved the church in one way or another.
3. There was no dental care
Dentistry is still considered a form of torture, so it seems that it was right at home in the Middle Ages. Technically speaking, our ancestors did not have easy access to sugar, so their teeth were much healthier. At the same time, scientists examined the jaws of people from that period and found that they brushed and removed their teeth using professional tools.
4. Women were forced to wear chastity belts
We’ve all seen that weird device in the movies. These waist shackles are supposed to keep women from sinning with another man, but if you think about it, it does look like a big joke. The image of the chastity belt appeared in 1405 and was basically a meme at the time. Now imagine in 500 years someone digs up a dank meme and thinks that’s how we lived.
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