Myth: People in the medieval age only lived to their 30s. Reality: The average life expectancy in the medieval age was lower due to high infant mortality rates, but if a person survived past childhood, they could expect to live into their 50s or 60s
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Myth: Everyone was a knight or a princess. Reality: Only a small percentage of the population were nobility or royalty. Most people were commoners who lived and worked on farms, in cities, or in trades
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Myth: Medieval people were dirty and didn't bathe. Reality: While it's true that hygiene practices were not as advanced as they are today, medieval people did bathe and wash their clothes regularly. Bathhouses were common in towns and cities
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Myth: The medieval age was a time of ignorance and superstition. Reality: The medieval age was actually a time of great progress in science, philosophy, and the arts. Scholars made significant advances in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine
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Myth: Medieval warfare was all about chivalry and honor. Reality: Medieval warfare was brutal and often involved siege tactics, raids, and ambushes. Knights were not always chivalrous and would sometimes engage in pillaging and looting
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Myth: Women had no rights in the medieval age. Reality: While women did not have the same rights as men, they still had some legal protections and could own property. Some women also had significant political and social influence
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Myth: Medieval people believed the Earth was flat. Reality: Most educated people in the medieval age understood that the Earth was round. This was a commonly accepted fact since ancient times
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By debunking these myths, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the complexities and nuances of the medieval age