Medieval Lives

Without antiseptics for infection or anesthetics for pain, childbirth was one of the greatest risks a medieval woman ever encountered. Birth took place in an all-female environment where the male world of medicine was of little help. In the case of aristocratic and royal families, expectant mothers could be as young as 13.

Unlike Birth And Death Which Are Inescapable Facts Of Life Marriage Is Rite Of Passage Made By Choice In The Middle Ages It Wasnt Just A Choice Made By Bride And Groom As They Were Often The Last Pieces In A Puzzle Betrothals Were Put Together By The Parents With Help From Their Family And Friends According To Rules Laid Down By The Church

In the medieval world, death was always close at hand, for young and old, rich and poor alike. But rather than seeing death as an end, people thought of it as a doorway to everlasting life, and much of their time and effort in this life was spent getting ready for the next.