How Much Shorter Were Our Ancestors in the Middle Ages Than Us?
When people think of ancestors from the Middle Ages, they often imagine them to be significantly shorter than we are today. However, this notion is more fiction than fact, as historical and archaeological evidence suggests that the average height during the Middle Ages was actually not as different from today's standards as one might assume.
Not Much Shorter: The Average Height
According to data from forensic specialists and archaeologists like Ivor Noel Hume and Daniel Peterson, people living from 900 to 1600 were on average between 66 and 74 inches tall, and some even exceeded six feet. This height can be attributed to their diet, which was rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, fresh air, water, and an active lifestyle. The lack of tobacco, sugar, and hard spirits in the Middle Ages contributed to overall good health and vitality.
Harald Sigurdsson and Tall Vikings
Take, for instance, Harald Sigurdsson, King of Norway from 1066, who was almost 86 inches tall. Many Scandinavians during this period were typically over six feet tall, further emphasizing the relatively similar height comparison to today. This is not without reason: during the Roman Empire, the average height of a soldier was between 55 and 68 modern inches, again highlighting that height was not dramatically different even a millennium later.
The Decline in Height During the Industrial Revolution
Interestingly, it wasn't until the Industrial Revolution that people's average height started to decrease. The poor diet and overcrowding in cities led to a drop in height, with people in the 18th and 19th centuries often experiencing difficult living conditions. This is in stark contrast to the Middle Ages, which saw a robust and varied diet contributing to better overall health and taller individuals.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
It is easy to fall into the trap of believing common myths about ancestors from the Middle Ages. For example, many people believe that everyone had bad teeth, or that no one ever bathed. However, these claims are far from the truth. While dental care was not as advanced, widespread bathing did occur, especially among the better-fed upper classes, who often had access to cleaner water and better hygiene practices.
Modern Comparisons
In Britain, the average height for medieval men was 5ft 7 inches. This compares to today's average of around 5ft 9 to 10 inches, a difference of only a few inches. However, there were taller individuals, particularly among the wealthy, such as Richard I, who stood over 6 feet tall. Similarly, King Edward I was over 6 feet, and Lionel of Clarence was reportedly as tall as 6 feet 7 inches, though this claim is less verified than the others, but certainly over 6 feet.
Conclusion
Thus, while the popular perception may paint a picture of our ancestors being much shorter than we are today, historical and archaeological evidence suggests otherwise. The Middle Ages saw tall, healthy individuals due to their diet and lifestyle, with some reaching heights even surpassing those of today. The modern taller average can be attributed more to the advantages of a more sedentary lifestyle and better medical practices.