Medieval Mirth: 15 Hilarious Historical Facts

Introduction

In the midst of the often dark and serious world of medieval history, there are moments of unexpected humor and mirth that shine through. From peculiar customs to bizarre events, the Middle Ages were filled with moments that would have had even the sternest of knights cracking a smile. In this article, we will explore 15 hilarious historical facts from the medieval period that will have you chuckling and scratching your head in equal measure.

Fact 1: The Dancing Plague of 1518

One of the strangest events in history, the Dancing Plague of 1518 took place in Strasbourg, France. It began when a woman named Frau Troffea started dancing in the streets and soon over 400 people had joined her. The bizarre dance marathon lasted for days, with many dancers collapsing from exhaustion. Doctors at the time prescribed more dancing as a cure, only making the situation more absurd.

Fact 2: The War of the Oaken Bucket

In 1325, the cities of Modena and Bologna went to war over a bucket. Yes, you read that right, a bucket. The citizens of Modena had captured a bucket from a well in Bologna, leading to a full-blown conflict that resulted in over 2000 deaths. The bucket remains in Modena to this day as a trophy of their strange victory.

Fact 3: The Beards of King Henry I

King Henry I of England had a peculiar habit of plucking out his beard hairs one by one. This strange grooming ritual was rumored to be a way for Henry to show his penance for his sins. Imagine having a king who couldn’t resist a bit of self-inflicted discomfort.

Fact 4: The Cat Organ

During the 16th century, a musical instrument known as the cat organ was created in Europe. This instrument consisted of a row of cats nailed to a barrel organ, with the keys pressed causing the cats to yowl in unison. As bizarre as it sounds, the cat organ was actually used in some royal courts for entertainment.

Fact 5: The Brazen Bull

In ancient Greece, a cruel form of execution known as the Brazen Bull was used. The condemned would be locked inside a hollow bronze statue of a bull and a fire would be lit underneath, roasting them alive. To add to the macabre nature of this method, the bull’s head was designed to amplify the screams of the victim, making it sound like the bull was alive.

Fact 6: The Barber-Surgeons

In medieval Europe, barbers were also tasked with performing surgeries and bloodletting. These barber-surgeons were a strange combination of medical professionals and hairdressers, often using the same tools for both tasks. Imagine getting a haircut and a surgery in the same appointment!

Fact 7: The Codpiece

One of the more absurd fashion trends of the medieval period was the codpiece. This padded, flared garment was worn over the crotch and served as a fashion statement as well as a practical garment for relieving oneself. Some codpieces were so large and elaborate that they became a symbol of wealth and status.

Fact 8: The Jester’s Etiquette

Medieval jesters were expected to abide by a set of rules known as the “Jester’s Etiquette.” These rules included never insulting the king directly, never speaking out of turn, and always being ready to entertain at a moment’s notice. Failure to adhere to these rules could result in a jester losing their head, both figuratively and literally.

Fact 9: The Knight’s Underwear

Contrary to popular belief, knights in the Middle Ages did not wear suits of armor without any undergarments. In fact, knights wore padded layers of clothing underneath their armor to absorb sweat and provide cushioning. These garments were often brightly colored and served as a way for knights to show off their wealth and status.

Fact 10: The Poison Ring

During the medieval period, poison rings were popular among nobility as a way to discreetly poison enemies or rivals. These rings were often adorned with intricate designs and hidden compartments for storing lethal substances. Imagine receiving a handshake from someone wearing one of these deadly accessories!

Fact 11: The Tongue-Tied King

King John of England was infamous for his terrible temper and foul language. Legend has it that in a fit of rage, John became so tongue-tied that he actually foamed at the mouth. While this may be an exaggeration, it’s clear that King John was not one to hold back when it came to expressing his emotions.

Fact 12: The Great Cat Massacre

In the mid-18th century, a group of apprentice printers in Paris decided to take revenge on their master by rounding up all the cats in the neighborhood and slaughtering them in a mock trial. The cats were found guilty of witchcraft and treason and were promptly hung from the gallows. This bizarre event has puzzled historians for centuries.

Fact 13: The Nun’s Priest’s Tale

In Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales,” there is a story called “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” which tells the story of a rooster named Chanticleer who outsmarts a fox. This humorous and entertaining tale showcases Chaucer’s wit and comedic timing, proving that even in the 14th century, people loved a good joke.

Fact 14: The Mechanical Monk

During the 16th century, King Philip II of Spain was given a bizarre gift – a mechanical monk. This lifelike automaton was capable of walking, talking, and even praying. The monk was a marvel of engineering at the time and provided endless entertainment for the king and his court.

Fact 15: The Poop-Themed Poetry

In medieval times, scatological humor was popular among nobility and commoners alike. Poem such as “The Owl and the Nightingale” and “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” contain references to bodily functions and excrement, revealing a surprising amount of humor in an otherwise serious era. It seems that even in the Middle Ages, poop jokes were a universal source of amusement.

Conclusion

The medieval period may be known for its chivalry, knights, and epic battles, but it was also a time of ridiculousness, absurdity, and downright silliness. From dancing plagues to poisoned rings, the Middle Ages were full of unexpected laughs and bizarre moments that would make even the most stoic of historians crack a smile. So next time you delve into the history books, keep an eye out for those hidden gems of medieval mirth – you never know what hilarious historical fact you might uncover.