The Importance Of Entertainment In The Middle Ages

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The Middle Ages are sometimes referred to as the Dark Ages, and rightly so. In a chaotic world after the Roman Empire fell, barbarian tribes in Western Europe struggling to maintain order would become the people of the Middle Ages. Many of the technological feats from Rome were lost, along with its culture. Consequently, medieval people created self-sufficient counties called manors, that were organized in a feudal system in which the monarch was at the top and the peasants formed the lowest class. Despite being difficult, medieval life was not all work; there were a multitude of things they did for pleasure. Although entertainment in the Middle Ages varied greatly between nobles and commoners, both classes enjoyed the holidays and festivals that broke the monotony of everyday life.

Noble entertainment consisted mostly of refined, expensive hobbies and lavish feasts. The most popular game was chess, which was played in almost exactly the same way as it is today. Gambling and dice games similar to modern-day craps were prevalent as well. Bets were on a multitude of things, “including the number of soldiers in a company, the winner of a mock combat, or the conclusion of a successful hunt.” In addition, lords enjoyed reading courtly literature such as Arthurian romances that told tales of “classical heroes and knightly bravery.” Those who weren’t literate had courtiers to read to them. Oftentimes, the …show more content…

Nobles wallowed in luxurious feasts and had expensive pastimes. On the other hand, peasants were happy with simple sports and games crafted from cheap materials. However, all people living during the Middle Ages could celebrate the holidays together. On the whole, the Middle Ages was a dark time for millions of people, yet they were each able to find happiness and hope through entertainment and later rise from the

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