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Middle Ages ‑ Stories

The Middle Ages, the medieval period of European history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance, are sometimes referred to as the "Dark Ages."

Spinner in the Middle Ages (Hours of the Duke of Guise), Miniature, Musee Conde in Chantilly, France.

9 Everyday Objects from the Middle Ages

People living in the Middle Ages likely used or came across these objects in their daily lives.

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A black-and-white engraving of a man stretched out on the bed of a torture device

7 Famous Torture Devices, Real and Mythical

Some instruments of torture, like the rack, were real. Others were probably made up to help perpetuate the myth of the medieval ‘Dark Ages.’

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Why Did the Vikings Disappear From Greenland?

In the 15th century, the Vikings vanished from Greenland after more than 400 years of living there—what happened?

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An ancient fresco of the Danza Macabra (Dance of the Death) and Trionfo della Morte (Triumph of the Death)

7 Mysterious Mass Illnesses That Defied Explanation

From a dancing plague to a laughing epidemic, the symptoms were clear—but the culprit was not.

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Christmas greeting card showing dinner foods as virtues circa 1880.

How Christmas Was Celebrated in the Middle Ages

In medieval times, Christmas celebrations carried on for multiple raucous days and nights.

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6 Surprising Discoveries From Medieval Times

6 Surprising Discoveries From Medieval Times

The Middle Ages have yielded a series of amazing archaeological discoveries, from medieval swords to buried castle remains to evidence of zombie fears.

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Before America Had Witch Trials, Europe Had Werewolf Trials

Before America Had Witch Trials, Europe Had Werewolf Trials

A few of the accused may have been actual pedophiles or serial killers, but many were beggars, hermits or recent émigrés who were tortured into confessions.

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When the Supreme Court Ruled a Vaccine Could Be Mandatory

A 1905 decision provided a powerful and controversial precedent for the flexing of government authority.

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4 Diseases You’ve Probably Forgotten About Because of Vaccines

Vaccines are so effective at fighting disease that sometimes it’s easy to forget their impact.

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5 Hard‑Earned Lessons from Pandemics of the Past

How do populations survive a pandemic? History offers some strategies.

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How the Black Death Spread Along the Silk Road

How the Black Death Spread Along the Silk Road

The Silk Road was a vital trading route connecting East and West—but it also became a conduit for one of history’s deadliest pandemics.

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Black Death: Timeline

The Black Death: A Timeline of the Gruesome Pandemic

Track how the Black Death ravaged humanity through history.

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