The Middle Ages is a periodisation of European history, encompassing the period from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century to the Renaissance in the 15th century.
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What would a Norseman in the early 11th century have worn as daily clothing?
Most of the Norse clothing we know about seems to come from burials. However, in many cultures, bodies dressed for burial are wearing either "good" clothes, or special clothes for the dead. Is there ...
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What factors contributed to the rise of national monarchies in the high middle ages?
I'd be the first to admit that I don't exactly know much about this topic and the initial research I've done on it has simply led to greater confusion. My current understanding (which I'm pretty sure ...
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Was there any connection between the Ottonians and Benedictines?
The Ottonians and Benedictines were expanding across Europe around the same time. However, other than in Rome they didn't have much overlap. I've heard references in some history and medieval ...
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Medieval Saharan Caravan Navigation
During the medieval times, trade caravans using camels criss crossed the Sahara and Meghreb. For example, salt caravans from the Empire of Mali to the near east.
I've wondered for a long time how ...
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What was it like for a coastal village to experience a viking raid in around the tenth century?
Were fishing villages really completely at the mercy of these vikings, or could they defend them selves? Did villagers have their own weapons? Could they expect any support from a Lord or Land Baron? ...
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What percentage of Jews were in “finance” (money-lenders) throughout Middle Ages?
The stereotypical image of a Jew in Middle Ages (and the portrayal of them) was of course "the money-lender". From Ivanhoe's Isaac of York, to Shakespeare's Shylock, to "Проклятый жид, почтенный ...
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How sophisticated was Paris in 1500 CE?
I'm helping my HS daughter find sources from which to form an opinion on the following question: "Which city was more sophisticated in 1500: Tenochtitlán or Paris?" for a research paper.
She needs at ...
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Gylfaginning a redacted worldview of Norse beliefs?
Intro
Gylfaginning - a part of the Younger Edda, is one of the most important scriptural sources in defining the Norse worldview.
Background
Gylfe, a mythical king of Sweden, wondered how the ...
