How Healthcare Has Advanced N Europe since The Dark Ages Days

Introduction

With further investigation into turn of the millennium Europe, it appears that the years that are commonly referred to as the “dark ages” were anything but dark. In fact, for several reasons, they should be considered quite the opposite. Contrary to what the term “dark ages” leads people to infer, the years 500-1300 were a time of growth and prosperity in Europe. Specifically, during the year 1000, European society saw numerous advancements in agriculture, medicine, and combat, all of which ultimately benefitted their economic worth and overall culture. For these reasons, academic sources should demolish the term “dark ages” as it is incredibly misleading. Medieval European society was one of numerous improvements.

Advancements in Nutrition

The most prominent of improvements would be that of nutrition. Advances in agriculture and dietary customs were one of the biggest successes of the time period. Europeans saw many advancements in the cultivation of grains, vegetation, and livestock (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 58), allowing them to have a wide variety in their diet. Variation not only contributed to a rich culinary culture, but often indicated one's social status and wealth. The type of animal one ate was a marker of their stature. While peasants feasted on mutton and pork, wealthy people of the time hosted grand feasts that included luxury meats such as chickens, ducks, pigeons, and deer (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 58). An abundant assortment of vegetation was also available to guests. Innovations in fishing were also seen, further contributing to the dietary wealth of the era (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 59). Alcohol production also thrived (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 62). Such grand culinary diversity supported the cultural development of the time as well as the economy. There is substantial evidence that the people of the dark ages had abundant knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs. These culinary advancements suggest that the people of the time were living rich, fulfilling lives. The lush food was a mark of a thriving and wealthy society.

Medical Advancements

Further advances in healthcare prove the dark ages to be a time of success and virtue. Many people of the time were experimenting with herbs and using the power of faith to ritualistically cleanse their bodies. All-natural remedies were created for conditions such as shingles, back pain, baldness, and poisonous insect bites (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, pp. 126-127). Herbal remedies and prayer were used to heal the sick. Though they were unaware of germ theory, they had knowledge of contagions and diseases and thus practiced proper hygiene (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 121). There is even evidence of the use of “medieval morphine” in medical practices and surgeries so that the patient would not feel anything (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 127). Human anatomy was also explored. They understood the internal and external interworkings of the body and tried cures to the best of their ability. There is also evidence of proper knowledge of fetal development and the procedure known today as modern abortion (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 123). It is safe to say the people of the year 1000 were on the brink of a scientific revolution. Such medical advancements in ancient times cannot possibly mark the dark ages. These advances in medicine through herbal remedies, proper hygiene, pain relief, and anatomical exploration prove the time period to be one of scientific gratification and enlightenment.

Military Innovations

Additional societal progress was seen on the battlefield. There is evidence of improvements in war tactics and weaponry construction within medieval Europe’s sparse armies (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, pp. 154-155). Though it was not a time for war, which further supports that the year 1000 was more sophisticated than most believe, soldiers had worked to improve their techniques. One perfected tactic known as the “shieldwall” or “war hedge” was implemented. To summarize the idea behind the shieldwall, a defensive row of the youngest and strongest warriors impaled the enemy with spears and protected themselves with shields. When its use was required, it did damage and was seen as efficient (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 154). The shieldwall also led to progressive adjustments to the medieval warrior’s armor, specifically in the helmet, spear, and shield (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 156). Further advancements in war strategies were seen practiced even in their downtime. Soldiers played games that would enhance their fighting performances. In their spare time, European soldiers indulged in activities that stimulated the body and mind, such as horseback riding, archery, and chess. To elaborate, horseback riding and archery helped to improve physical fitness, athleticism, and agility. Chess helped exercise the mind by providing insight on battlefield strategies (Lacey & Danziger, 1999, p. 157). Not only did such practices strengthen medieval militaries, but war and games also heavily contributed to European culture at the time. A capable army is further proof that people of the time were only enhancing their society.

Conclusion

The term “dark ages” suggests that European society during the year 1000 was one of barbaric and backwards people, when it is really quite the contrary. Society was not barbaric as the coined phrase of the time insinuates. They were not backwards people; rather, they were advancing in important societal needs such as farming, medicine, and war. The entire period was one of innovation and learning in the most important aspects of life at the time. Never again shall the term “dark ages” refer to the year 1000, as a society that flourished should not be confined to a term so menacing.

References

Lacey, R., & Danziger, D. (1999). The Year 1000: What Life Was Like at the Turn of the First Millennium: An Englishman's World. Little, Brown and Company.