The Middle Ages can seem like they are so far from where we are today.
However, if you know your history, you will find that many of our
current traditions, customs, and institutions were started then. With
a look back into our past, we can see the beginnings of our society.
1. Go
to university
As young adults across the US prepare to head off for another semester, it is easy to forget that many of the worlds oldest operating universities were founded in the Middle Ages. Education wasn't for everyone, but it was a priority for the upper classes. The oldest, The University of Bologna and The University of Paris, were both founded in the 11th century.
As young adults across the US prepare to head off for another semester, it is easy to forget that many of the worlds oldest operating universities were founded in the Middle Ages. Education wasn't for everyone, but it was a priority for the upper classes. The oldest, The University of Bologna and The University of Paris, were both founded in the 11th century.
2.
Banks
While money and loans have been around since antiquity, the first merchant banks were started in Italy in the Middle Ages. Those banking structures were the originators of a style of bank which we use today. In the beginning, they were structured around the grain market, hence merchant in the name. Now, they can include any bank that provides investments or shares as capital to a company.
While money and loans have been around since antiquity, the first merchant banks were started in Italy in the Middle Ages. Those banking structures were the originators of a style of bank which we use today. In the beginning, they were structured around the grain market, hence merchant in the name. Now, they can include any bank that provides investments or shares as capital to a company.
3.
Wear glasses
Where would we be without our spectacles? Several forms of reading assistance were used before, but the first historical accounts of actual glasses aren't found until writings of the Middle Ages. They quickly became very popular, for obvious reasons, and before too long, there were professional guilds for lens makers. There is discussion as to whether the first appeared in Europe, Asia, or India, but all original accounts appear around the same time.
Where would we be without our spectacles? Several forms of reading assistance were used before, but the first historical accounts of actual glasses aren't found until writings of the Middle Ages. They quickly became very popular, for obvious reasons, and before too long, there were professional guilds for lens makers. There is discussion as to whether the first appeared in Europe, Asia, or India, but all original accounts appear around the same time.
4.
Restaurants
In the Middle Ages, those that lived in the countryside were self-sufficient and grew and cooked all of their food. However, most of those that lived and served in city limits often lived in cramped quarters, with no access to a kitchen or to cookware. They relied on establishments in town that served food, just as we often do today.
In the Middle Ages, those that lived in the countryside were self-sufficient and grew and cooked all of their food. However, most of those that lived and served in city limits often lived in cramped quarters, with no access to a kitchen or to cookware. They relied on establishments in town that served food, just as we often do today.
5.
Use clocks
Geared
mechanical clocks were made and popularized in the Middle Ages.
Clocks before that time were either made from water works and were
cumbersome and only for the wealthy, or were highly inaccurate.
Geared clocks are still largely popular.
If you
would like to learn more about the middle ages in Buena Vista,
California, visit Medieval Times.
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