Life in the Middle Ages

Watch Life in the Middle Ages

  • 2005
  • 1 Season

Life in the Middle Ages is a fascinating historical documentary produced by Schlessinger Media, aimed at primary and middle school students. This educational series takes viewers on a journey back in time to one of the most exciting and important periods in Western history.

The documentary presents a wealth of information about the Middle Ages, covering topics such as daily life, religion, warfare, art and architecture, fashion and social hierarchy, and much more. The show is divided into several episodes, each exploring a different aspect of this intriguing time in history.

One of the notable strengths of the show is its ability to make the subject matter accessible and engaging for young viewers. Each episode is presented in an entertaining and engaging style that successfully captures the imagination of children. Moreover, the series uses vivid visuals and age-appropriate language to communicate information, making it easy for students to follow along and understand.

The first episode of the show gives an overview of the Middle Ages, outlining the time period itself, and introducing the viewers to the key events, historical figures, and cultural practices. From there, the show delves into various aspects of life during the Middle Ages.

One of the most fascinating topics covered by the show is the daily life of commoners during the Middle Ages. The documentary shows how people lived, worked, and interacted during this period, giving a glimpse into a time when large cities didn't exist. People lived in small villages and were largely self-sufficient, growing their food and creating their goods. The series also explores the system of guilds, which regulated the work of skilled artisans and tradespeople.

Another interesting aspect explored by the series is the role of religion during the Middle Ages. The documentary introduces viewers to the Catholic Church's power and how it affected society in different ways, including art and literature. It also explains the two key terms, pilgrimages and crusades, which became a significant part of culture and a sign of religious devotion for individuals.

War and warfare were also a significant part of medieval life, and the show explains how these events impacted the people. From knights to soldiers and everything in between, Life in the Middle Ages describes the military hierarchy and takes a look at weaponry and tactics of the battles of the time.

The series also covers the arts and architecture of the Middle Ages. From the construction of Gothic cathedrals, which took decades to complete, to the creation of illuminated manuscripts, the show brings to life a period rich in artistic expression. The show also refers to the evolution of art from Romanesque to Gothic styles during the Middle Ages in Western Europe.

The show also dwells on social hierarchy, a fundamental aspect of medieval times, and explains to students from feudalism to serfdom in easy-to-grasp styles. It depicts the roles of King, nobles, and the majority of the population, the peasants, which highlights how power and wealth were distributed in that society.

Overall, the show is a useful tool for understanding the Middle Ages and provides intriguing insights into a significant historical period. Despite of its simplicity, it does well to cover all important aspects of the period as well as considering some implications it holds on contemporary society. The sharp fact-checking transforms this documentary into an experience which is trustworthy and informative for anyone who watches it. Highly recommended for children who want to gain a deeper understanding of the past, teachers who are looking for educational material about the Middle Ages, or anyone with an interest in history.

In conclusion, Life in the Middle Ages is an informative and fascinating documentary series that provides a great introduction to the Middle Ages for students. It brings to life a period of history that is often overlooked, providing a rich and engaging experience for viewers of all ages. Through its excellent content, it offers a vital understanding of the Middle Ages, bringing students closer to an era filled with assumptions, surprises, and consequences.

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Seasons
Social Structure in the Middle Ages
8. Social Structure in the Middle Ages
April 8, 2005
The feudal relationships during the Middle Ages established a hierarchy that deeply affected the social landscape of the period. In Social Structure in the Middle Ages, students will explore the complex relationships between a lord, his vassals and their serfs, an intertwining of the wealthy and poor that ensured everyone in these medieval societies depended on each other. Discover the importance of land during this time and how ownership of estates affected nearly every aspect of life. Part of the multivolume Life in the Middle Ages Video Series. Grades 4-8.
The Serf
7. The Serf
April 8, 2005
The Middle Ages were filled with many colorful characters, from valiant knights and regal nobles to sequestered monks. But the backbone of medieval society was the serfs. In The Serf, students will delve into the daily life of those who were bound to their lords' lands and whose days were filled with difficult manual labor. Discover what it was like to be the child of a serf. Learn about the holidays they celebrated and the eventual changes in society that led this class to rise above their meager beginnings. Part of the multivolume Life in the Middle Ages Video Series. Grades 4-8.
The Noble
6. The Noble
April 8, 2005
They were the wealthiest members of society, a group who reported to their king and ruled over their serfs. In The Noble, students will delve into the nobility of the Middle Ages, exploring the castles that served as both fortification and living space for the noble family, while taking in the personal effects and food that demonstrated a noble's affluence. Students will learn about the traditional career paths for children born into nobility, the tournaments nobles attended for entertainment and the lasting legacy of the wealthiest class of the Middle Ages. Part of the multivolume Life in the Middle Ages Video Series. Grades 4-8.
The Monk
5. The Monk
April 8, 2005
They were religious men who often lived sequestered from society in self-contained monasteries. In The Monk, students will learn about monastic life in the Middle Ages, exploring the simple lives led by monks, often devoid of many luxuries of the period. Get a firsthand look at the monasteries, structures that often provided more safety than life in the surrounding areas plagued by war, violence and hunger. Discover how these monks spent their time within the monastery walls, how one became a monk and the role they played in the Crusades. Part of the multivolume Life in the Middle Ages Video Series. Grades 4-8.
The Merchant
4. The Merchant
April 8, 2005
Buying and selling goods to the general masses may not seem very exciting, but being a merchant in the Middle Ages ensured one a life filled with adventure. In The Merchant, students will explore the lives of these well-traveled entrepreneurs, whose trade in life generated the need for building medieval towns. Get a firsthand account of what it was like to be the wife of a merchant, and follow the path young boys pursued to learn a craft. Explore the role of the guilds, and learn why the cathedrals of the period are lasting reminders of the wealth and dedication of these traveling craftsmen. Part of the multivolume Life in the Middle Ages Video Series. Grades 4-8.
The Knight
3. The Knight
April 8, 2005
With their code of chivalry and the legendary adventures of King Arthur, much has been romanticized about the lives of knights. But what were they really like? Were all of their exploits necessarily for the greater good? In The Knight, students will get the lowdown on the lives of these armor-clad warriors of the Middle Ages, focusing on the role they played in the society of the time. Explore the ever-changing protection and weaponry employed by the knights, the reasons behind their participation in tournaments and the storied history of the Crusades. Part of the multivolume Life in the Middle Ages Video Series. Grades 4-8.
A History of the Middle Ages
2. A History of the Middle Ages
April 8, 2005
The Middle Ages is commonly referred to as the period between the fall of the Roman Empire in Western Europe and the Renaissance, and in this lively program, students will delve into a comprehensive overview of the people, places and events that defined this period. From Charlemagne through the legendary Crusades and the horrific Black Death, students will garner a feel for the era -- focusing on the three distinct eras of medieval time. Part of the multivolume Life in the Middle Ages Video Series. Grades 4-8.
The Doctor
1. The Doctor
 
Looks at the lives of doctors during the Middle Ages, including their practices, beliefs and role in the Black Plague. Grades 4-8.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 8, 2005