Archive for the 'History' Category
When many of us think of Roman gladiators, we immediately revert to the glorified role these figures play in Hollywood movies. The truth of the matter, however, is that the life of a gladiator was not as glamorous as the films depict, and most of the warriors met an early death. In a recent NPR podcast there was a story highlighting a new archeological discovery: a massive burial site for Roman gladiators in Northern England. (Gladiators used to go on tour).
Although they can’t be certain the burial site was exclusively for Rancient roman swordsoman gladiators, several signs seem point to that conclusion. One arm on each of the skeletons had much more muscle than the other, which is probably due to the constant swinging and training with ancient Roman swords. There is evidence of a lion or tiger bite on one of the soldiers, both of which are foreign to the area and were used in gladiator battles. Finally, a hammer had damaged many of the skulls, a tactic used to disorient the gladiators.
The Middle Ages were one of the darkest periods in world history - rife with disease, poverty and human cruelty. The previously enlightened civilizations of Rome and Constantinople—and their legendary armies of soldiers in Roman armor—had fallen victim to the bubonic plague, rampaging barbarian hordes and dangerous superstition. Few people could be said to enjoy life during this era: kings and land barons had it pretty good, but what about all the illiterate peasants forced to grind out a subsistence lifestyle?
Monks and other members of the clergy were often the only ones afforded a chance to learn. Of all the people alive in Europe between 700 and 1100 AD, most were unable to read and write. Monks and some enlightened kings were the rare exception, and they kept the light of logic and reason burning for future generations.
Was Robin Hood simply a legend that was imagined and inspired by a class who was so suppressed in the Medieval times that they brought to life a “Santa Claus” to give them a small ray of hope or was there such a person who stole from the rich to give to the poor? History gives very little solid information to support the notion that Robin Hood really lived. However, in the literature of this age, there is much written about this inspiring figure. One of the first references was from a religious allegory, written by William Langdon. Here is the reference:
“Quoting the character, Sloth: “I kan noght parfitly my Paternoster as the preest it syngeth, But I kan rymes of Robyn hood and Randolf Erl of Chestre.” which J. C. Holt, in his 1989 revision of Robin Hood, translates as, “I do not know my paternoster perfectly as the priest sings it, But I know rhymes of Robin Hood and Randolph, earl of Chester.” As can be readily determined “Sloth” is one of the deadly sins. This was his confession to the priest and obviously knowing the rhymes of Robin Hood was considered a “slothful” use of time.
Another relevant reference to the name, “Robin Hood”, is from court records and reads as follows:
“The earliest contender is one Robert Hod, described as a fugitive, who is mentioned in the York assizes record of 1226: his goods were being confiscated because he owed money to St. Peter’s of York (Owen, 1936). The debt is not unlike that of Sir Richard in the Gest and certainly consistent with the fierce hostility toward abbeys and rich churchmen through the whole myth. A slightly later reference speaks of William Le Fevre, son of a smith, who was indicted at Reading for larceny in 1261 (Crook, 1984). Nothing very surprising about that, except that in the following year there is another reference to him, and now he is called William Robehod, as if that surname has become appropriate to his condition as a fugitive from justice. ”
If you are interested in pursuing the literary references for Robin Hood. The following is an excellent resource:
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/rh/rhhome.htm
Whether Robin Hood truly existed is not relevant, because the legend was a significant symbol in Medieval Europe, and still applies in our modern day. It is a story of a struggle between ordinary men against powerful and often evil forces in society. It also relates a story of a band of common men who attempted to assist the unfortunate around them. These circumstances still apply today.
If Robin Hood was a real character, there are several facts that can be determined about him. He lived in Medieval times when the Pope encouraged all men to accept the Crusader cross and travel to the Middle East to free the Holy Land from its Moslem captors. The myth of Robin Hood is tied to the reign of Richard I who was called “the Lionheart.” Richard did in fact accept the cross and transported a large force to recapture Jerusalem. Legend relates that Robin attempted to save the absent crusading king’s crown from his ruthless brother, John Lackland. History does support the information that John was not a very efficient ruler or neither was he adept at war as was his older brother, Richard. John’s Mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, did not intially think very much of her youngest son. She left him in the hands of his father, Henry II and spent most of her time in Aquitaine with her favorite son, Richard.
Robin Hood was known as an expert with the Long Bow. Lore suggests that he could send an arrow a mile with his Long Bow This popular Medieval weapon was constructed from the ewe tree. If he carried a battle sword, it was likely what is now called a Crusader sword. He probably did carry a dagger, because this weapon was small and more readily available to his class. He probably wore a jerkin (shirt) either of leather or rough cotton. Also, an axe was in his arsenal of weapons, because the tool could also be used to clear land as well as being employed for protection. If he needed protection from the sword of an enemy he carried a buckler (a small round shield). For head protection he wore a battle helmet that was flat on top and covered his face.
In fact, it is also historical fact that King Richard on his return from the Holy Land did visit Sherwood Forest where Robin and his merry men were said to reside. It is not known that he visited the forest to find Robin Hood and thank him for his efforts on his behalf. This is only reported in legend. But the story is told in poetry or a song from a traveling minstrel:
” King Richard hearing of the pranks
Of Robin and his men,
He much admir’d and more desir’d
To see him and them.
Then with a dozen of his lords,
To Nottingham he rode:
When he came there, he made good cheer
And took up his abode.”
I for one am a believer in the existence of Robin Hood. It is a great story and who doesn’t love a good story?
Following is an article by Barbara Walton who owns a bed and breakfast in the Limousin region of France. Medieval enthusiasts will fully appreciate the beautiful landscape as well as the historical castles and landmarks that are prevalent in this region. In addition to viewing the scenery, Barbara offers painting courses conducted in the midst of this magnificent scenery.
“Mysterious Limousin, land of lakes and legends, wild and free. This region is known as ‘Hidden France’ because, though beautiful and steeped in history, it is still relatively undiscovered. Step back in time to enjoy all the ambiance of France, the wine, the food and sunshine, quiet country roads bordered with cowslips and the early purple orchids. You drive along these pretty routes when you follow the Route of Richard the Lionheart linking thirteen castles and five other major historical sites.
- Excellent botanical garden behind Limoges Cathedral
- Museum of Métiers also near the cathedral. A fascinating museum devoted to the crafts.
- Visit the Porcelain Museum at Limoges
- Cassinomagus is an important Gallo - Roman site at Chassenon, ten minutes from Videix. They organise fantastic days when people dress up as ancient Gauls or Romans and show crafts, costumes, housing, warefare etc. Not well publicised but not to be missed!
- The town of Pierre-Buffier is about 1 hour away from Les Trois Chenes and has (or had) monestary of 11th century and has 11th century church - Sainte-Croix. It is well worth a visit
- The town of La Rochefoucauld is only thirty minutes away. It is dominated by a Fairytale Castle complete with moat. Here you can dress up in Medieval costume and parade around the Chateau. The kids love this – but so do the adults.
Take a bit of time to see the very many other wonderful places to see and things to do. After seven years I’m still discovering Limousin!
In our oft-romanticized visions of ancient cultures, we tend to reduce the civilizations down to a few iconic characters and tendencies. Often these are great artists, authors and thinkers whose works have transcended time and are still in publication. We also tend to remember great warriors and leaders that spearheaded epic battles that are emblematic of the times.
While Roman swords and armor were cutting edge weapons of the era, these items seem primitive to us thanks to our nuclear weapons and unmanned drones. As history books are written about the current state of the world, it will be interesting to see how people reflect on our legacy of battle. Will it be romanticized as many of the civilizations that we now consider ancient are, or will today’s societies be looked at as ruthless and bloodthirsty?
An early Crusader who had just arrived in the Holy Land viewed a band of Saracens from a distance. He was so impressed with the curved sword that they wielded that he attempted to locate his own. Naturally the Saracens were not anxious to trade with the enemy, so he was forced to use his own straight blade crusader sword. The image that the Crusader saw is the picture that the western world still holds of the Islamic warrior—a turbaned soldier with a curved blade sword.
However straight bladed swords were also used by Islam during the Crusades. The stereo-type exists, because the Prophet Mohammed likely carried a curved weapon. There are relics which are preserved in the armory of the Sultans in the Topkai Palace in Istanbul that substantiate that he possessed a Scimitar. There are two swords that are associated with Mohammed at the armory. One of the swords is a narrow blade and is slightly curved. The hilt and scabbard of the weapon are embellished with precious stones and gold. The period that he utilized the blade would have been 560-632.
We have written about western swords with names in this blog. Islamic warrior’s swords also had names. The famous sword mentioned above was ‘Dhu’l Faqar’. Mohammed wielded this weapon at the battle of Badr in 624. Legend recounts that the sword was cloven in two near its point, and this is how it has been depicted ever since. It was bequeated to Ali, son-in-law to Mohammed. He served as Caliph from 656 to 661.
The Scimitar as well as being a beautifully formed sword, it also is very balanced and easy to handle. Collectors and reenactors appreciate the sword. Also it is so easy to wield that it is also used today in exotic belly-dancing.
Valentine’s Day is the ultimate celebration of love. The origin of this day of love is obscure; it is thought to be named after St. Valentine, a Roman priest, who lived during the time of the persecution of the early Christians. Valentine supposedly married young Christians when the government sought to prevent their marriage to stymie the growth of Christianity. All the information regarding the love-day is fable. Regardless of how Valentine’s day came to be celebrated by lovers, romance has existed since the beginning of time.
Marriage and love in feudal Europe presented some unusual customs and rituals which we do not experience in our modern world. If a vassal or bondman from a certain manor wanted to marry a woman from another manor, he had to give the lord of that manor a brass pan in compensation; and the pan had to be of such a size that the bride could sit in it without undue compression. That tradition was probably the result of a rich merchant that ordered too many large brass pans.
Witnesses to weddings often would hit one another to impress the occasion on their memories in case they might be called on to attest to the validity of the marriage. In Medieval times there were no formal records. Uncle Brun readily could remember the occasion of Attila and Matilda’s nuptials because , Aunt Maud broke his right jaw. The passing of the ring which symbolized the union in Medieval Europe is still a tradition today.
All Medieval dwellings were very cold. Lovemaking was possibly limited during the winter. When spring came, it roused people to a pagan frenzy. The sun shone and lusty blood flowed. Lovers took to the fields, freed from the crowded houses where whole families often lived. Most love poems were written in the spring; such the modern term, “spring fever.”
One tradition from the Middle ages that is still around today is the toast to love. All classes had access to some form of celebratory beverages. The nobility had wine, and the lower classes had beer and ale. I really believe that young peasants knew how the nobility’s wine was made; and I will wager that many a bottle was made and consumed in the spring fields during a lovers picnic. During the marriage ceremony the bride and groom toasted each other with the finest Medieval Chalices that were available. Glass was not readily available in Medieval Europe so silver, gold or pewter was used for the wedding toast. Often they were borrowed from the church.
Love is the most wonderful thing on the face of the earth, and it was the same during the Middle Ages. No one told them that they were living during depressed times; they believed that they were a very advanced society. Slow down and enjoy the celebration of love. Toast your lover, go on a picnic, propose, eat chocolate, smell the roses, write a poem of love and take a large brass pot to your beloved home and let her sit in it. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Are you expecting a magical gift from the love of your life or from the love of the moment? How do present day lovers compare with those true knights in shining armor? Was the Medieval male a passionate slave to his love or did he regard the woman of his life as his slave?
According to Belle Tuten, a renown Medieval historian, love and courtly love were very important in the life of the Medieval male. He explores the subject with the following description:
“ Medieval literature is full of stylized, “courtly” language speaking of love and desire. A suitor’s flowery prose expressed his hope of winning the lady of his choice. Courtly love poetry-frequently addressed to a woman who was completely out of reach-tolerated and may have even encouraged, love outside marriage, as in the stories of Guinevere and Lancelot and of Tristan and Iseult. There were also real-life examples: Geoffrey Chaucer wrote his Book of the Duchess(1369) for Blanche, duchess of Lancaster; at whose death he mourned the “siknesse (i.e. unrequited love) that I have suffred this eight yere.”
Such devotion could be taken to extremes. Ulrich von Lichtenstein, a noble Austrian who died around 1275, wrote a poem–partly fact and partly fiction–describing the activities of the perfect courtly lover. Among Ulrich’s extravagant gifts was one of his fingers, sent to his lady-love with a book of poems. He also underwent a dangerous operation to repair his harelip, hoping to appear more handsome for her even though they had never met. After he had camped outside her house for some time, the lady finally agreed to see him. But when he begged her for more than a greeting, she replied sternly: “Nay your courage may not aspire so far as that I should lay you here by my side . . .. My lord and master shall live ever free from fear lest I should love another man than he.”
There are many other examples of courtly love as practiced in Medieval Europe. We will explore some of those courts of the past in the next few days before the great day of “love.”
Readers of this blog are probably asking what do these three things have in common? Footballs are pigskin balls that young men use to play a popular game. Lances and swords on the other hand are ancient weapons that were utilized in many wars of the past.
Being very good at playing football entitles young men to many privileges. Highschool football players are some of the most popular boys around. At least that is the situation in the southern United States. These athletes are even more revered in college. It requires a certain toughness to play football, and it is likely one of the most dangerous sports.
In the Middle Ages, there were sports that nobles enjoyed watching as much as we enjoy football. These were tournaments which were thrilling but potentially dangerous for the contestants just like football. Christien de Troyes remarked in Yvain, or the Knight with the Lion, that “people are wont to rush up when they are eager to see swordplay.”
Some of the participants in this ancient sport were sons who would not inherit property or a title because they were not the first son. Often they participated in tournaments to make money just like our professional footballs players today. One of the most famous of these professional sword fighters was William Marsechal. Because he was the most powerful man with a sword, he acquired a castle and land through a marriage to a wealthy noble woman. Medieval times were not so different than the modern day. A powerful athlete often attracts money and beauty.
Many times wealthy young men played the game just for love of the sport or to prove their superiority in arms. The Plantagenets, a famous ruling family, of Medieval Britain participated in this dangerous sport. Richard the Lionheart was an avid participant in swordplay games and also jousting. He usually won. His brother, Geoffrey, however, was not so lucky; he was killed in a tournament . He suffered a broken neck when he was knocked from his horse with a lance. Had he not been addicted to this dangerous sport, the Plantagenet line of ruling monarchs would likely have been much changed. Richard, who became King of England was killed in a trivial skirmish at a very young age. Geoffrey would probably have acceded to the the throne at his brother’s death, and since he had children they would have been in line to rule the British Empire.
Things change but not dramatically. Certainly we live in a different age; we play different games than the Medieval athlete. The results of being great at a sport still apply. Rewards are waiting for the “best of the best.”
For more than 500 years, the Roman Empire served as an example of what Western civilization could be. The poets, politicians, artists and merchants were the absolute best at their respective occupations, unmatched elsewhere in the world. Soon after the Empire was founded, Rome ushered in an era of piece and prosperity that allowed its citizens to enjoy tremendous wealth and privilege.
None of that would have been possible without Rome’s military prowess, of course. As early as the Punic Wars, which were fought against Hannibal and the Carthaginian Empire around 200 BCE, Rome set itself apart as a well-disciplined and technologically advanced war machine. Roman armor was distinctive for mixing protective capability with lightness and maneuverability.