Daily Life in Medieval Times: Beyond the Battles

When most people think of the medieval period, they often picture grand battles, knights in shining armor, and castles under siege. After all, that's what my books, The Crusaders Chronicles, are mainly about. We like to read about clashing swords, the cries of war, and the drama of historic conquests captured during the First Crusade.

But...these guys still had to bathe. They had to eat. They had to...you know...poop.

While these epic moments (the battles, not the pooping) certainly shaped history, it was the everyday lives of common people, from peasants to merchants, monks to craftsmen, that truly defined the fabric of medieval society.

As a historical fiction author, especially one delving into the gritty world of the First Crusade, it's crucial to explore these everyday experiences. They offered rich details for my stories and helped create a more immersive world (hopefully one you enjoyed). Often, entire characters and storylines came out of this research. Here’s a glimpse into the daily life of people in the medieval era—beyond the battles.

Living Conditions: Humble Yet Resilient

Medieval homes were a far cry from the sprawling castles and stone keeps we see in movies (and the ones Daniel and his crusaders take on). Most people lived in small, modest dwellings, often made of timber, wattle, and daub, a combination of woven wood and mud. These homes were dark, drafty, and cramped, with a single room serving as living quarters, kitchen, and sleeping area—no home offices for these guys. The floor was usually dirt, and the furniture was sparse—often just a table, a few benches, and a bed made from straw or animal skins.

Cozy.

However, despite these humble conditions, people adapted and made do. Families lived together in close quarters, and neighbors formed tight-knit communities, offering mutual support. This lifestyle required resilience, and it’s this quality that makes the characters of medieval fiction, especially those from lower social classes like Daniel, so compelling. Their daily lives were often marked by hard labor, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of community.

Food: Simple Yet Nutritious

The medieval diet was largely based on what could be grown locally and followed the seasons. For most people, especially peasants, meals consisted of grains like barley, oats, and rye, which were made into bread, porridge, and ale. Meat was considered a luxury, often reserved for the wealthier classes or special occasions like religious holidays. Those who worked the land, like farmers, might occasionally hunt or raise livestock for their own consumption.

Vegetables like cabbage, onions, and leeks were staples, and fruit—such as apples, berries, and pears—was a common addition to the diet (maybe we can learn a bit from here). Spices, though expensive, added flavor to meals for those who could afford them. The reliance on simple, hearty foods meant that nutrition was often plain but effective for sustaining energy through hard labor, whether in the fields or the craft shops.

I've always tried to incorporate food into my writing (like Amina's güvec and Hendry's brose in Shadows of Antioch, and Taline's harissa in Dorylaeum). This helps highlight the cultural nuances of the places Daniel traveled through.

Work: Labor That Defined the Day

Most medieval people worked from dawn until dusk. For peasants, this meant farming the land, tending to animals, or working as laborers on nobles' estates. Their work was grueling, and most had no choice but to follow the rhythms of the seasons. Spring and summer brought the planting of crops, while fall and winter were dedicated to harvesting and preparing for the harsh months ahead.

Life was equally labor-intensive for artisans. Blacksmiths, weavers, and carpenters worked long hours, producing goods for their communities or nobles. In cities, merchants set up shop to trade goods like wool, spices, and textiles. Guilds were the backbone of trade, with craftsmen banding together to set standards and prices and ensure the quality of their work.

Religion: The Heartbeat of Medieval Life

Religion was central to medieval life, from the humblest peasant to the highest noble. For many, daily life began and ended with prayer, and religious observances marked the rhythm of the year. Monasteries played a significant role, providing spiritual guidance, education, healthcare, and a place of refuge during times of trouble. The church also held immense political power (case in point: the Crusades), influencing everything from laws to marriages.

While many joined the crusade for monetary gain or (like Daniel) to escape some hardship at home, for most of the crusaders, religion was the driving force behind their involvement. The journey wasn’t just a military campaign—it was a pilgrimage, a calling, and a path to redemption.

Leisure: A Break from Hardship

Despite the hardships of medieval life, there were moments of respite. Festivals, fairs, and holidays provided much-needed breaks from labor. These events often featured music, dancing, games, and feasting. For peasants, the harvest festivals were a time of great celebration, while nobles hosted tournaments, jousts, and banquets to showcase their wealth and power.

For the common folk, leisure was often tied to the religious calendar—feasts to celebrate saints' days or local traditions. Music was an important part of this, and traveling minstrels entertained both the peasantry and nobility. I've tried to include these moments of joy in Daniel's story, hopefully contrasting the brutal realities of war. While his world is chaotic and often tragic, Daniel has moments to reflect on what matters—family, faith, and fleeting moments of peace.

Conclusion: Bringing the Medieval World to Life

The texture of everyday medieval life—the labor, food, religion, and fleeting moments of joy—shapes the world that characters like Daniel, Hendry, and Amina inhabit and influences their decisions, motivations, and relationships.