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I visited a castle in Switzerland (Chateau de Chillon) and they had a presentation on medieval eating and drinking habits. Apparently it was absolutely normal
by snovv_crash 5y ago
I visited a castle in Switzerland (Chateau de Chillon) and they had a presentation on medieval eating and drinking habits.
Apparently it was absolutely normal for everyone who could afford it to be drunk all of the time, from seamstresses to soldiers. I don't think our modern efficiency-conscious society can really understand what it was like back then.
- mantas 5y agoTwo key bits - how drunk and who could afford it. Safe drinking water was a pain in the ass. So mild alcoholic drinks was the norm. That that'd give you a little buzz at best. Very few people could have afforded to be truly shitfaced 24/7.
- offa 5y agoFrom what I understand, the "safe drinking water was a pain in the ass" thing is largely a myth. Some good information available in this r/AskHistorians Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1svj1q/how_did_people_esp_european_townsmen_get_fresh/ce1r5xw/ https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1svj1q/how_d...
- mantas 5y agoI believe it varies from region to region. In my country natural springs are all around so fresh water is not a problem. But I remember reading medieval era memoirs how people get surprised traveling when others don't have as much access to springs.
- frankzinger 5y agoThe article says that the bad water theory is unlikely because it's easier and cheaper to boil water than to make alcoholic beverages.