- Social Classes: Societies were often divided into rigid social classes, with limited social mobility.
- Aristocracy and Nobility: The upper classes, such as the nobility and landed gentry, held significant power and wealth.
- Peasantry: The majority of the population was made up of peasants who worked the land and were often tied to the land or a lord.
- Slavery: Slavery existed in many societies, particularly in the ancient world and certain parts of the medieval era.
Family Life
- Patriarchy: Most societies were patriarchal, with men holding authority over women and children.
- Arranged Marriages: Marriages were often arranged by families for social or economic reasons rather than love.
- Large Families: Families tended to be large, as high infant mortality rates meant having many children was necessary to ensure the survival of some.
- Child Labor: Children often participated in labor to contribute to the family income.
Lifespan and Health
- Lower Life Expectancy: Average life expectancies were much lower compared to modern times due to poor sanitation, limited medical knowledge, and high infant mortality rates.
- High Mortality Rates: The risk of death from infectious diseases, childbirth complications, and malnutrition was significant.
Technology and Transportation
- Limited Technology: Technology was limited compared to modern advancements, with most tools and machinery being simple and manually operated.
- Transportation: Travel was primarily by foot, horseback, or animal-drawn carriages. Sea travel relied on sail-powered ships.
Communication
- Letters: Written communication was slow and mostly relied on letters sent through postal systems or by private couriers.
- Newspapers: Newspapers began to emerge in the 17th century, providing news and information.
Entertainment and Leisure
- Music and Performance: Music, theater, and other forms of live entertainment were popular leisure activities.
- Sports and Games: People engaged in sports and games such as archery, wrestling, and ball games.
Science and Philosophy
- Ancient Philosophers: Ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle made significant contributions to philosophy, logic, and ethics.
- Scientific Discoveries: Scientific knowledge was limited, with many beliefs based on superstition and traditional knowledge. However, important strides in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine were made in various civilizations.
Government and Politics
- Monarchy: Monarchies were common, with a single ruler holding absolute power.
- Feudalism: In medieval Europe, feudalism was a political and economic system where vassals pledged loyalty to lords in exchange for land and protection.
- Religion: Religion played a crucial role in governance and society, often shaping laws, moral codes, and cultural practices.
Economy
- Agriculture: Most economies were agrarian, relying on farming and livestock raising.
- Trade and Commerce: Trade was essential, and cities served as centers of commerce and exchange.
- Guilds: Craftsmen and merchants organized themselves into guilds to protect their interests and maintain quality standards.
While these are general aspects of how people lived in olden days, it is important to note that there was significant diversity among different civilizations, regions, and time periods.