Watch Medieval Lives

Medieval Lives is a six-part BBC documentary series hosted by Terry Jones, best known as a member of the Monty Python troupe. The series originally aired in the UK in 2004 and offers an interesting and informative look into the lives of everyday people living during the medieval period.

Each episode of Medieval Lives focuses on a different aspect of medieval life and is presented in a lighthearted and humorous way. The first episode, for example, looks at the role of the medieval knight and explores some of the myths and legends surrounding these revered warriors. Jones explains how the image of the knight as a chivalrous hero differs from the reality of their lives, which often included brutal violence and political maneuvering.

Other episodes delve into topics such as the role of the medieval peasant, the life of the medieval monk, and the often-overlooked contributions of women during the period. Jones approaches each topic with wit and a deep understanding of the subject matter, making for an engaging and entertaining viewing experience.

One of the strengths of Medieval Lives is the way in which it draws on both historical records and popular culture to paint a vivid picture of life in the medieval period. For example, the episode on medieval peasants cites records from the Domesday Book, which was compiled by William the Conqueror in 1086 to survey the land and property of England. Jones also references works of literature such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to illustrate the different social classes of the period.

Throughout the series, Jones seeks to dispel some of the common myths surrounding medieval life. For example, in the episode on medieval witches, he explores the history of the idea that witches flew on broomsticks and points out that this image was actually due to a mistranslation of certain texts. Jones also explains that the concept of the medieval witch was not a simple case of persecution based on superstition but was actually rooted in complex social and cultural factors.

Medieval Lives is not just a series about the past, however. It is also a commentary on the present, as Jones frequently draws parallels between medieval society and our own. For example, in the episode on medieval outlaws, he explores the modern phenomenon of the celebrity criminal, pointing out that both medieval outlaws and modern-day criminals often become celebrated figures due to their perceived defiance of authority.

Overall, Medieval Lives is an engaging and entertaining series that provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of medieval people. Jones's humor and wit make for an enjoyable viewing experience, while his deep knowledge of the subject matter ensures that viewers come away with a greater understanding of the period. This series is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in history or medieval culture.

Medieval Lives is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on October 9, 2013.