Peasants worked long hours and lived in poverty. They were often malnourished and suffered from diseases. Life expectancy for a peasant was short, usually around 30 years.
Despite their harsh lives, peasants were an important part of medieval society. They produced the food that everyone ate and provided the labor that kept the economy going. Without peasants, the Middle Ages would not have been possible.
Here are some additional details about peasants in the Middle Ages:
* Peasants were usually born into serfdom, which meant they were tied to the land and could not leave it without the permission of their lord.
* Serfs were not allowed to own property or to earn money. They had to give all of their labor and produce to their lord.
* Peasants lived in small villages or hamlets. Their houses were usually made of wood and thatch and were often crowded and unsanitary.
* Peasants ate a simple diet of bread, vegetables, and beer. Meat was a luxury that they could only afford occasionally.
* Peasants were often illiterate and had little education. They relied on oral tradition to pass on their knowledge and culture.
* Peasants were often oppressed by their lords and could be subjected to harsh punishments for any disobedience.
Despite their difficult lives, peasants played an important role in medieval society. They were the backbone of the economy and provided the food that everyone ate. Without peasants, the Middle Ages would not have been possible.