Medieval women

Women in the Middle Ages

Women During the Middle Ages (Life) http://www.medievality.com/medieval-women.html Women were widely considered inferior during the Middle Ages. Even though some women possessed considerable - and often extraordinary - power, most of them were very poor and had to work 12 hours every day just to get by. Behind every great king and ruler, was a woman. The influence of women during the Middle Ages is often underestimated.

Most women of the Middle Ages were totally dominated by men. Any man in the family could order a woman to do as he wished. If a woman refused, she was beat into submission, as disobedience was considered a crime against God.

Many important women existed. Here is a brief list:

* Joan of Arc * Anna Comnena * Hildegard of Bingen * Julian of Norwich * Christine de Pizan * Jane Shore * Alice Perrers * Matilda of Flanders * Eleanor of Aquitaine * Queen Berengaria of Navarre * Isabella of France * Philippa of Hainault * Mary de Bohun * Catherine of Valois * Margaret of Anjou

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While it is often believed that women possessed no rights during the Middle Ages, that was generally not the case. They had to obey men, but they were often treated well. Women of the royalty lived luxuriously and when chivalry was finally introduced, they were more respected by men. We could say that women were treated based on their social rank, but this would also show some inconsistencies. Some peasants who lived in peaceful times could only work as much as we do today and still live well.

Women http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/medieval/women2/medievalwomen.html

Most people in medieval Europe lived in small rural communities, making their living from the land. Peasant women had many domestic responsibilities, including caring for children, preparing food, and tending livestock. During the busiest times of the year,