1. Full Beards: A thick and full beard was often associated with masculinity, virility, and wisdom.
2. Long Beards: Kings, emperors, and other noble figures often sported long beards to represent power, authority, and distinction.
3. Trimmed Beards: Knights, soldiers, and mercenaries typically kept their beards well-trimmed to maintain a neat appearance and avoid hindering their combat abilities.
4. Rounded Beards: Rounded or oval-shaped beards were popular among the upper classes, as they conveyed an air of elegance and sophistication.
5. Square Beards: Square-shaped beards were popular among merchants and wealthy citizens.
6. Forked Beards: Some men opted for forked beards, where the bottom of the beard was split into two points.
7. Goatees: A small, pointed beard on the chin, often accompanied by a mustache, was known as a goatee. It was common among young men and commoners.
8. Mustaches: Mustaches without a beard were not as prevalent in the Middle Ages as full beards, but they were not uncommon.
9. Tonsured Beards: Members of the clergy, such as priests and monks, were required to shave the crown of their heads while keeping a beard.
10. Regional Variations: Beard styles also varied regionally. In some parts of Europe, such as France, shorter, well-groomed beards were preferred, while in other regions, like Germany, longer, more natural-looking beards were in fashion.
Overall, the style and length of beards in the Middle Ages served as social and cultural markers, denoting a person's social status, profession, and cultural identity.