Life in the Middle Ages

Thirty Years War - The 2nd Horseman - European History - Extra History - Part 2
The Thirty Years War started as a localized conflict but quickly ballooned out into a multinational conflict that tore across the countryside. But the ones who bore the brunt of the damage were not the countries or even the soldiers, but the citizenry as armies from other countries poured across the land, pillaging and looting as they went. #ExtraHistory #ThirtyYearsWar #History

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The Brutal Reality of Being Hanged, Drawn & Quartered
Hanging, drawing, and quartering was the most brutal punishment medieval justice had to offer – and it was designed to shock. In this video, we examine this horrific execution method in graphic detail: how it was carried out, who suffered it, and why it was used as a tool of fear and control. A chilling look at the darkest side of medieval law

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How the Rack Became the Symbol of Medieval Torture
The Rack is one of the most infamous torture devices in history – and for good reason. In this video, we uncover how it worked, who it was used on, and why it became the terrifying symbol of medieval justice. From stretched limbs to shattered joints, discover the brutal truth behind this legendary instrument of pain.

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How Medieval Peasants Spent Their Free Time
Life for peasants in the Middle Ages was difficult, to say the least - Medieval peasant jobs could often involve long hours of back-breaking labor in less than sanitary conditions - but it wasn’t all bad. Peasants actually had a lot more free time than you might expect. They got every Sunday off, as well as special holidays mandated by the church, not to mention weeks off here and there for special events like weddings and births when they spent a lot of time getting drunk

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4 Ways People Traveled in Medieval Times

Travel in the Middle Ages was no easy feat, but people still found ways to get around. In this video, we explore four key modes of transportation from medieval times – from horseback and carts to ships and walking on foot. Discover how geography, social class, and technology shaped the way people moved across the world centuries ago.

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Medieval Peasants’ Pastimes – How They Had Fun
Life as a medieval peasant wasn’t all toil and hardship – they knew how to have fun too. In this video, we explore the games, festivals, music, and simple pleasures that brought joy to everyday life in the Middle Ages. From village feasts and dancing to sports and storytelling, discover how peasants made the most of their free time.

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Medieval Moves: How They Danced in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, music and dancing often played a key role in social events and religious ceremonies. It provided a sense of togetherness and well-being, that for the majority of the peasant population was probably in short supply. But what sort of dances did they enjoy and what happened when that dancing got out of hand?

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Surviving Summer in the Middle Ages
For the Medievals, summer was a time of celebration for all classes. Perhaps the best time of the year for social gatherings. But work still had to be carried out in the fields and summer was also a time of heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, plague, and fever.
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Medieval Weapons: What Was The Deadliest?

Historian and host of the Gone Medieval podcast Matt Lewis ranks the most famous weapons from the medieval period. From the humble dagger to a samurai sword, Matt scores each weapon on usability, damage, and versatility. Think you know better? Let us know in the comment section below. Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsely, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, and iOs & Android. We're offering a special discount to History Hit for our subscribers, get 50% off your first 3 months with code YOUTUBE: #medievalhistory #militaryhistory #historyhit

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Beyond the Sword: 5 Sneaky, Real-Life Tactics That Won Medieval Battles.
Most Medieval rulers hungered for glory on the battlefield. But what if a king was unable to achieve victory in an honourable way? Would he sacrifice chivalry and fair play to trick the enemy? Of course he would! From donning a disguise to broken promises and fake manoeuvres let’s travel back in time now and look at some of the deceptive ways in which victory could be won. Welcome to Medieval Madness.

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Medieval Saints That Rose from Poverty to Power
Medieval saints often came from the humblest of origins - yet their influence shaped kingdoms, culture, and everyday life. In this video, we explore the journeys of these remarkable figures, tracing how their devotion and legend transformed them into symbols of hope, power, and spiritual authority across medieval society. Discover the lives, miracles, and legacies that made saints central to the medieval world

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What People Really Wore in the Middle Ages
Fashion in the Middle Ages was far from dull. Beneath the layers were bold choices, rigid rules, and styles that sometimes went completely off the rails


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8 Bizarre Ways People Died in the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages were brutal, but not every death came by sword or plague. Some were so bizarre they sound like dark comedy from history.

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Medieval Murders That Still Baffle Historians
Some medieval crimes were so strange – and so unsolved – that they still baffle historians today. In this video, we examine a few of the most mysterious murders from the Middle Ages. With puzzling clues, conflicting accounts, and no clear answers, these cases reveal just how complex and shadowy medieval justice could be.


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The Medieval Rebel Who Had to Be Hanged Twice
William ‘The Scabby’ was taken out to be hanged near Swansea Castle in Wales on the 27th of November 1290. The rebel had been sentenced to death because he had supported Lord Rhys ap Maredudd, in his uprising against King Edward I of England. William was hanged “until dead”, removed from the gallows, and carried away. However, later that day, although nine witnesses would testify that William was dead he was miraculously restored to life. Let’s travel back in time now to the late 13th century to find out about a hundred cows, measuring the saint and a not-so-hanged man.

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What Was The Worst Year In Human History? - Answers With Joe
We're living in trying times, maybe you heard that somewhere? But there have definitely been worse times to be alive. In today's video, we look back at some of the worst years in human history, including one year that historians seem to agree was the worst of them all

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The Most Famous Man of the Middle Ages… But Did He Even Exist?
Legends, chronicles, and centuries of storytelling have made him a household name - but how much of it is fact, and how much is myth? In this video, we examine the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures from the medieval world. We dig into historical records, popular tales, and scholarly debates to uncover whether he truly lived or was simply a creation of legend.

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True Tales of the Paranormal from the Middle Ages
Medieval Europe was filled with stories of restless spirits, haunted roads, and eerie visitations that shaped how people understood the world beyond. In this episode, we explore real accounts of ghost sightings from church records, folk tales, and monastic writings. These aren’t just spooky stories—they reveal how medieval communities made sense of fear, faith, and the unexplained.

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What Life Was Really Like for Medieval Slaves
Life as a medieval slave was brutal and unforgiving. In this video, we explore the harsh realities of survival - from relentless labor and limited rights to the small moments of resistance and hope. It’s a raw look at the struggle to endure in one of history’s darkest chapters.

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Medieval Baby Life: How Did Anyone Survive?
What was it like to be a baby in the Middle Ages? In this video, we explore the harsh realities and surprising customs of medieval infancy - from birth practices and naming traditions to how families kept babies safe in a world without modern medicine. It’s a look at survival, care, and the beginnings of life in a very different time.


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The Worst Medieval Torture Techniques Explained By Historian
Medieval Historian Matt Lewis delves into the grisly details of medieval torture techniques. We cover everything from what it was like to be 'hung, drawn, and quartered' to the terrifying specialties of Vlad The Impaler. Matt explores the depths of human cruelty throughout the medieval period, offering a stark reminder of the barbarity that once prevailed. Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsely, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, and iOs & Android. We're offering a special discount to History Hit for our subscribers, get 50% off your first 3 months with code YOUTUBE:

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7 Horrific Medieval Diseases and Their Cures
Medieval life wasn’t just brutal on the battlefield – it was terrifying when it came to disease. In this video, we uncover 7 of the most gruesome illnesses people faced during the Middle Ages, from the horrifying symptoms of the Black Death to bizarre treatments that often did more harm than good. Whether it was boils, bleeding, or leeches, these medieval "cures" will make you grateful for modern medicine.

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Is a genetic variant in Amish people the key to living longer?
Every year, scientists learn more about the aging process. As Charlie De Mar reports, they're now starting to understand how to measure your body's biological age, as opposed to your actual age.


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What Was City Life Like in the Middle Ages?
A lot of Medieval cities were similar to ours today in that they had governing bodies, educational structures, bankers, lawyers, hospitals, merchants, and an exchange of goods and services, as well as some extraordinary cathedrals that are still standing today. Though the Medievals themselves were unsure about the advantages of their cities. The English chronicler and monk Richard Devizes wrote about London in the 1190s and said, “Whatever evil or malicious thing that can be found in any part of the world, you will find it in that one city”. So what was life like for these Medieval Metropolitans? Let’s travel back in time and find out

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How People Got Their Hair Done in the Middle Ages
What was it like to get your haircut and styled in the Middle Ages? In this video, we dive into the world of medieval grooming – from barbershops and tools to popular styles and the surprising services offered. Discover how hair was cut, beards were shaped, and why your local barber might also double as your surgeon. It’s a fascinating look at hygiene, fashion, and function in medieval life.


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Staying Pretty in The Middle Ages
Like us, the Medievals wanted to step out looking and smelling their best. For women especially, grooming was not just about creating the illusion of beauty, it was also a way to show off their social status because the higher the rank and wealth then the more access people had to expensive cosmetics made with rare ingredients. Let’s travel back to the Middle Ages to take a look at male and female grooming and discover how people used their available resources to create beauty products, that still inspire and influence cosmetics manufacturers today.