Medieval

Orford Castle: A Journey Through Time from the 13th Century to Today
Perched in the serene Suffolk countryside, Orford Castle stands as a testament to England’s turbulent medieval past. Built between 1165 and 1173 under the orders of King Henry II, this iconic structure was more than just a symbol of power; it was a strategic masterpiece designed to consolidate the king’s control over rebellious lords and protect England’s coastline. While much of the original complex has been lost to time, the central keep remains remarkably intact, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
By Deji Akomolafeabout a year ago in History
Life in medieval castels
Movies and TV portray castle life as lavish, especially for nobles. However, it wasn't all feasts and celebrations. Castles were dark, damp, and smelly. They were filled with vermin and disease. Today, we will examine what life was truly like in a medieval castle. If you were part of the ruling class, you enjoyed rich wine and the occasional hot bath. Most people, however, found little comfort apart from attending church or punishing enemies. In medieval Europe, plumbing was nonexistent. This meant no running water and no flushing toilets. Waste accumulated in cesspools, making every castle resemble a giant porta potty. Imagine that on a hot summer day. It’s easy to see why the characters in shows like Game of Thrones were often angry. The lack of running water also meant no baths, except for the very wealthy. Servants often smelled unpleasant due to this. They could not afford medicine like the nobles could, leaving many castle dwellers ill and reliant on home remedies or prayer. Privacy in castles was rare, especially for those without ownership. When one needed to use the bathroom, they did so on a bench with holes, all in plain sight of onlookers. There was no flushing, so waste fell into a deep pit below. Losing something, like wagon keys, would be disastrous. Living in a castle was cramped. Many servants were needed for daily operations, alongside multiple generations of the ruling family and their attendants. It was akin to a small, crowded city focused on serving a single family. Castles had dungeons for punishing criminals or political foes. However, Disney films often omit the frequent torture of these prisoners. One cruel method involved letting rats eat victims alive. This was believed to purify sins, adding a dreadful meaning to “for your own good.” Rats were a constant issue in castles. They thrived in dark, damp spaces. People accepted their presence as part of life, like a common nuisance. Many were actually afraid of them, especially since they were often associated with disease and torture. Life in a castle often called for alcohol to cope with the unpleasant surroundings. The wealthy enjoyed fine wines and spirits, while servants drank whatever was available. Safe drinking water was scarce, making alcohol a safer choice. Servants had to wake up at sunrise to complete their work. Castles were dark, even during the day. Sunlight was precious for completing tasks. Most people in society, unless wealthy, had to work early to earn a living. Bathing was a desire for many, but access to clean water was limited for the lower class. The bathing setup was rudimentary; a large tub could be moved around for use. Privacy and hygiene were lacking, but it was better than nothing. Castles were primarily built for defense, made with cold stone and little insulation. Servants often slept in dark, cold quarters, increasing the risk of illness. Life in a castle included constant activity, whether it was celebrating holidays or hosting guests. Cooks spent entire days preparing feasts while receiving only meager meals themselves. Lords and ladies feasted at a long table, seated by rank. The servants remained out of sight at the far end. While the upper class enjoyed gourmet meals, servants made do with simple stew or pie. Most peasants never entered the castle, working the land to sustain their families. The ruling class had to govern their lands, making decisions and negotiating politically while relying on their vast staff of servants. Cleaning was a constant struggle; rushes and herbs were spread across floors to mask unpleasant odors. Replacing them often revealed layers of filth. Walking through a castle meant stepping over hidden messes. Cooking relied on open flames, which posed risks in wooden kitchens. Fires were a common hazard. It was only later that stone was used for construction, making kitchens safer. Every castle had a chapel for morning mass. Along with the great hall, it served as a central feature. In elaborate castles, chapels had two stories, with nobles sitting above servants, literally looking down on them. Overall, life in a castle during the Middle Ages was tough. Even those at the top experienced significant discomfort. What do you think about castle life?
By Zuechanabout a year ago in History
The most epic deaths through history
Start writing...Today, we will discuss some of the most notable deaths in human history. Our first story features Ben K, a unique warrior monk from 12th century Japan. On a dark night in Kyoto, he wanders the streets with a naginata, a weapon that resembles a sword and long spear. Unlike other monks, Ben K is not in search of enlightenment; he is on a hunt. He seeks to challenge himself by defeating 1,000 samurai. At that point, he has already conquered 999. One night, he hears a flute near Gojo Tenjin Shrine. He discovers a small samurai with a beautiful katana. Ben K sees this as the perfect final addition to his collection and challenges the samurai to a duel. The samurai accepts, and they fight at Gojo Bridge. Despite his size advantage, Ben K is swiftly defeated. The samurai lets him live but walks away. Enraged, Ben K decides to seek revenge. He spots the samurai again and challenges him to another duel but loses once more. In defeat, he offers to abandon his life as a monk and follow the samurai, who is Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The two become inseparable companions. They join Yoshitsune's brothers to fight against the tyrannical Taira clan. After five years, they emerge victorious, with Yoshitsune's brother becoming Shogun. However, peace leads to jealousy and suspicion among the brothers, forcing Yoshitsune and Ben K to go on the run. They find refuge with the Fujiwara clan but are eventually betrayed. On June 15, 1189, at the Battle of Koromua, they are surrounded and outnumbered. Despite the odds, Ben K fights bravely, cutting down enemies much shorter than him. As he stands against the Fujiwara army on the bridge, he takes countless arrows but remains defiant. In his final stand, Ben K positions himself to seem alive, buying time for Yoshitsune to commit seppuku and maintain his honor. His sacrifice is remembered as an act of true loyalty and bravery. Now we move to our second story about Admiral Yi Sun-sin in 16th century Korea. At this time, Korea was a tributary to China. It experienced a period of relative peace, while Japan was embroiled in civil war. However, in 1592, the Japanese began to invade. Korea's military was weak, largely due to corruption. The invasion started with the Japanese landing in Busan, causing panic among the Korean leaders. As a result, many soldiers defected or sank their ships to avoid battle. However, Admiral Yi refused to yield. He had superior ships called Panokseon, designed for naval combat. At the helm of a small fleet, Yi decisively engaged the Japanese navy and won multiple battles. He sank over 200 Japanese ships without losing any of his own. As the war dragged on, Yi faced jealousy and betrayal from within his ranks. After being imprisoned on false charges, he was reinstated to save the beleaguered Korean navy. Outnumbered, he displayed remarkable strategy and courage, defeating Japanese forces 25 to 1. Sadly, during a final assault, he was mortally wounded but instructed his body to be kept hidden so that his men could continue fighting. Admiral Yi Sun-sin died as a hero, leaving a legacy of victory. Finally, we have the story of Ben L. Salomon, a World War II field medic. Drafted in 1940, he served as a dental officer but quickly proved himself as a capable soldier. In June 1944, the 105th Infantry Regiment was sent to fight in Saipan. When the battalion surgeon was wounded, Salomon took his place. After heavy fighting, the remaining Japanese forces planned a final charge on July 7, 1944. Salomon's medical tent filled with injured soldiers, and he worked tirelessly to care for them. When Japanese troops broke through, he boldly defended his position, taking out several enemy soldiers. As things escalated, he ordered his medics to evacuate while he stayed behind to provide cover. Salomon fought valiantly at a machine gun position until he was eventually overrun. His body was discovered days later alongside 98 dead Japanese soldiers. Despite his heroism, he was not awarded the Medal of Honor due to a Geneva Convention rule forbidding medical personnel from engaging in combat. This oversight was eventually corrected, and in 2002, he was recognized posthumously. These stories highlight the sacrifices made by individuals who fought bravely for their beliefs and their people.
By Zuechanabout a year ago in History
Arundel Castle: A Majestic Testament to England’s History
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of West Sussex, England, Arundel Castle is a magnificent medieval stronghold that has stood the test of time. Built in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, the Earl of Arundel, this grand fortress has witnessed nearly a thousand years of history, serving as both a strategic defensive structure and a family residence. Today, Arundel Castle is one of the longest-inhabited castles in the United Kingdom, offering visitors a captivating journey through England’s rich past.
By Deji Akomolafeabout a year ago in History
The Strangest Stories in History: Discovering the Most Bizarre Events from the Past
In the beginning There are a lot of unusual things that have happened throughout history, as well as strange happenings and mysterious tales that almost seem too fantastic to be real. Individuals from all over the globe continue to be fascinated and perplexed by these peculiar tales from the past, which vary from ancient mysteries to contemporary riddles that have not been solved. For what reasons are some historical occurrences considered "strange"? Why is it that some events in history are relegated to the realm of fables, while others are relegated to the realm of obscurity?
By QuirkTalesabout a year ago in History
The Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire: Reasons for Its Rapid Rise and Sudden Collapse The Mongol Empire is one of the largest empires in history, stretching from East Asia to Eastern Europe and controlling vast territories in the 13th century. Founded by Genghis Khan, who united the Mongol tribes under his leadership, the empire embarked on unprecedented campaigns of expansion. However, the empire experienced a rapid rise and a sudden collapse, making it a fascinating subject of study. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the rise of the Mongol Empire and the factors that led to its collapse.
By 💓 Pulse of Stories 💓about a year ago in History
5 Biblical Cities Lost to Time—
This article contains AI-generated imagery. Many state that the Bible is more than a spiritual guide; that it’s a historical text that references cities and civilizations that once flourished.
By Paisley Martenabout a year ago in History
Northern Warriors
When we hear word Vikings, first thing that comes to mind is barbarian warriors with terrifying looks. But where are they actually from? Why are they called Vikings? The etymology of the word Viking is uncertain. There are many theories on what it means and how was it created. The Old Norse word víkingr usually meant “pirate” or “raider.” There are few approaches that we can undertake to try look closer on this word. According to Wikipedia: The essential three elements of the word "Viking" are: the original meaning, derivation or etymology (its medieval usage) and its current modern-day usage. According to some authors, these three elements are often confused in popular and scholarly discussions. Also, the etymology of the word has been much debated by academics, with many origin theories being proposed. (...) One theory suggests that the word's origin is from the Old English wicing and the Old Frisian wizing that are almost 300 years older, and probably derive from wic, related to the Latin vicus "village, habitation". Another less popular theory is that víking came from the feminine vík, meaning "creek, inlet, small bay". (...) Another etymology that gained support in the early 21st century derives Viking from the same root as Old Norse vika, f. 'sea mile', originally meaning 'the distance between two shifts of rowers'. (...) In the Middle Ages viking came to mean Scandinavian pirate or raider.
By Joanna Golczynskaabout a year ago in History
A Halloweenish Story about Pagans and the Catholic Church
I walked past a litany of ghosts, or more aptly, a series of children whose mothers cut two holes in a white blanket and mummies wrapped in gauze pads. Crisp blue skies yellowing and oranging and pinking into the horizon. And a jack-o-lantern in every third house. I could tell which homes had young children by how elaborate the decorations were and whether they were decorated at all. If I worked at the Census Bureau, Halloween decorations would've saved me a lot of time. Halloween also saved the Catholic Church a lot of time they would've spent killing pagans.
By Theodore Garp about a year ago in History
The life of Attila the Hun
Attila the Hun, one of history's most notorious and enigmatic figures, ruled the Hunnic Empire from approximately 434 to 453 AD. Known as the "Scourge of God" for his relentless invasions and brutal campaigns across Europe, Attila's life has fascinated historians and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we delve into the life of this formidable warrior and leader, while subtly recommending high quality resources for a deeper understanding of the historical context in which Attila thrived.
By M. R.about a year ago in History
Sugar Nucleotides: Building the Blocks of Life
Sugar nucleotides are key molecules in the biosynthesis of glycans, which are carbohydrate chains found on the surface of cells or in the bloodstream. These molecules play a critical role in a wide range of biological processes, including cell signaling, protein folding, and immune responses. In this article, we will delve into the structure and synthesis of sugar nucleotides, and explore their importance in glycobiology.
By bioglycoabout a year ago in History
Fascinating Tales from the Past: History's Hidden Gems.
1919's Great Molasses Flood Envision a sticky catastrophe of monumental scale! A huge tank of molasses in Boston exploded, unleashing a 15-foot tsunami that raced through the streets at 35 miles per hour. Out of 150 persons injured, 21 died in this strange disaster. It took weeks to clean up, and for decades thereafter, many said they could still smell molasses on hot days.
By Neli Ivanovaabout a year ago in History