Medieval Europe Essay

Medieval Europe is the time in European history between about 500 and 1509 CE. The world medieval means time before change.   In the case of European history, this holds especially valid. The Medieval period is the predecessor to the Renaissance. Medieval European society brought about many changes in political power, as well as a great deal of fighting and war. During this time period, in the mid 1300s the Black Death or the Plague was unleashed on an unknowing European society, thus killing off many of the residence of the continent.   While these ideas and historical events are commonly associated with Medieval Europe, there is one aspect that is rarely heard about, women. Throughout much of history, women were oppressed and considered as nothing more than housekeepers, chefs, and baby producing machines.
Medieval society was definitely male dominated however, as in any society women had a role. Most women were seen as they commonly were throughout history, as homemakers, and mothers. However, a few women did have occupations during the Crusades. Chivalry toward women was non-existent. “Killing of innocent women, as well as children and elderly was a common occurrence in any town or castle that resisted an attack.” Also, the peasant women usually worked alongside their husbands. “The elite women mostly lived in seclusion in their quarters, covering their faces when they went out in public. Their daily activities besides taking care of household duties were maybe detailed embroidery or weaving.”   Some of the most unique women in history lived during the crusades. Some women ended up assuming all of the household chores, roles of their husbands who were fighting or already killed in the war. Basically, many women were left behind to rule their estates and defend their castles due to fighting or dying husbands and fathers. “Several women from both east and west played a role in the great crusades. Eleanor Aquitane took part in strategizing in the second crusade.”...