middle ages trivia and facts

 The image of the knight in shining armor was largely a myth. Many knights in the crusades proved themselves to be greedy and cruel, and the women of the Middle Ages were as tough and capable as any.
     (24 August 1997)
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 During the Middle Ages, very few people--including the average knight--could read or write. Since the Church played such a large role in medieval life, learning took place in the monasteries, where books were written and the first libraries were kept.
     (24 August 1997)
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The popular children's nursery rhyme, 'Jack Jumped Over The Candlestick', was derived from a tradition in medieval England. People would actually jump over lighted candles as a means of predicting the future. If the candle stayed lit, it meant brighter times were ahead. If the flame went out, it meant that darker days were to come.   [Source: Useless Facts]
     (26 January 1999)
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Medieval cooks candied carnations.   [Source: Useless Facts]
     (29 January 1999)
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  In medieval England beer was often served with breakfast.
     (14 September 1997)
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The Twelve Days of Christmas represent the length of time that the three wise men from the East took to reach the manger of Jesus Christ after his birth. Their arrival on the twelfth day was celebrated in the form of the Feast of Epiphany in medieval France, and later in other countries.
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Roast turkey did not appear consistently on royal Christmas Day menus until 1851 when it replaced roast swan. The medieval dish of Boar's head remained popular with Royals for much longer
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Spiral staircases in medieval castles are running clockwise. This is because all knights used to be right-handed. When the intruding army would climb the stairs they would not be able to us e their right hand which was holding the sword because of the difficulties in climbing the stairs. Left-handed knights would have had no troubles except left-handed people could never become knights because it was assumed that they were descendants of the devil.
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The English word "soup" comes from the Middle Ages word "sop," which means a slice of bread over which roast drippings were poured. The first archaeological evidence of soup being consumed dates back to 6000 B.C., with the main ingredient being Hippopotamus bones!
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In medieval times, silver was once considered more precious than gold because of its scarcity.   [Source: Robert Boeshore]
     Honeybunny from New York  (10 February 1999)
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Want to know why there are lids on steins for beer? The answer is rather simple. They were invented in Medieval times to keep flies from getting in your beer.   [Source: Book: 'Bathroom Trivia']
     Ron Madia from Fairview, New Jersey  (4 March 1999)
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