Medieval Life Was Perilous for Those Who Essay

Medieval Life was perilous for those who lived during this period. There were a number of issues that made life particularly difficult. Low literacy rates meant that people had little access to information. Because travel was difficult and dangerous, they also had little access to information that would help them improve their lives. In addition, their lives were almost completely under the control of the Roman Catholic Church, which was the wealthiest institution and therefore the most powerful. Anyone who was not a member of the Catholic Church could be accused of heresy and subject to punishment. These punishments were so severe they could even lead to death. According to one scholar, "since the church was not permitted to shed blood, the sentenced heretic was surrendered to the secular authorities for execution, usually by burning at the stake" (Blotzer 1997). Living during threats like this in the period of the Inquisition was something people of this time would be very familiar with. Being accused of not being a member of the Catholic faith could have disastrous consequences, not only on an individual, but on his or her family members as well. One of the most frightening aspects of life during this time, however, may have been the threat of the Black Death.This was something that was not controlled by man; it was a disease that spread rapidly throughout the feudal estates, and the disease was fatal. It took numerous lives, and living under the constant threat of this disease struck fear in the hearts of individuals of all socioeconomic classes.

The Effect of the Black Death on the Economy and Lifestyle of Europe

The Black Death, also known as the plague, was transmitted to people of Europe by those who arrived on trading ships. Once the plague had been introduced, it spread like wildfire. It was known to take three different forms as well: bubonic, pneumatic, and septicemic (The Black Death 2001). The most common form is the one we are most familiar with today: bubonic. The term comes from the word "buboes," or swellings. These swellings would be visible on the victim's body, sometimes appearing on the neck, under the arms, or in the groin area (The Black Death 2001). Once the swellings were seen on the victim's body, it was clear to everyone who saw the victim….....