I'm looking for information on arts and crafts, joust matches, living in a castle, for a chapbook poetry series of them. Any history buffs out there?
2006-08-10 11:02:12 · 7 answers · asked by Kristen H 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Wow, I suppose I'm a "history buff" when it comes to these two significant eras in our history. I love studying them, and have more many years. As for arts and crafts, sewing is an ancient practice, practiced by men and women alike. Embroidery was also common (although mostly women did this one), as was pottery, leather crafts, weaving textiles and baskets, guilding, and many others. As for jousting, it was usually a big event similar to what a sport event would be today. People from near and far would gather together to cheer on their favorite warrior, who was usually the one from their home-village. The warriors weren't always "knights" as they are thought to be. And despite common beliefs, it wasn't an act of war, and although it was common for the men to be injured, they were rarely killed. It was also practiced more during the Renaissance then the Medieval times. Some more Medieval sports would include archery, fencing, hawking, and foxing. As for living in a castle.... Where do I start? They were drafty and many times even damp, mostly due to condensation on the cold rocks they're built from. In rooms that didn't have a rug, they sometimes spread hay on the floor so it wouldn't be too cold or hard to walk on. Every now and then they'd sweep it up and put fresh hay down. They would hang tapestries on the wall not only for decoration, but also for insulation. Most nobility actually lived in "Manor Houses" rather than castles, because they were more economical. The castles were primarily used as defense from the enemy should they claim war against them. There's a lot more info in the sources below. Enjoy the research!
2006-08-11 11:26:12 · answer #1 · answered by EtteDawn 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Oh this is my thing I ve been to four renaissance fairs. All four years of High school or course. It was such a beautiful and stinky time. Here are some websites you can look at that will have pictures of some of the crafts they did. and it will have information about the times and people round during that era.
2006-08-10 11:13:08 · answer #2 · answered by lil_frosty93654 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
One of the best and most detailed sources is "A History of Private Life" vol. 2: Revelations of the Medieval World, by Philippe Aries and Georges Duby. Here's more about it:
http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/DUBHIS.html
For good images, browse through the manuscript collection at the Getty Museum, starting here:
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/exploreArt?typ=2033122
2006-08-10 11:42:45 · answer #3 · answered by vickness 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try your local or university library. I'm sure they have lots of sources on the topics you're looking for. Wikipedia has the basics but none of the specifics. You're better off doing your research at a local county library.
2006-08-10 11:07:01 · answer #4 · answered by chrstnwrtr 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One book that will give you an amazing, almost comprehensive feeling of food, clothing, battles, and life in the middle ages is Barbara Tuchman's "A Distant Mirror"
2006-08-10 11:17:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
http://www.ask.com/web?q=Renaissance+Period&qsrc=145&o=10429&l=dir
Start hee you will find plenty...it will take awhile to go to all the sites but you will find what you seek.
2006-08-10 11:28:14 · answer #6 · answered by polllydooodle 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Does anyone know how to do research anymore???
2006-08-10 11:07:52 · answer #7 · answered by elk312 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋