The Middle Ages (500-1500A.D.), commonly referred to as the Dark Ages or the Medieval Times, was an era of growth, art, architecture, Church dominance, and a feudalistic society. Innovation and development were major aspects of this time period. Major steps were developed in the fields of warfare and medicine that drastically changed the course of history. More well-known medieval inventions and developments include the printing press and the adoption of gunpowder. However, this paper focuses on three other developments of equal importance, but lesser fame: the longbow and crossbow, metal stirrups, and quarantine.
The longbow and crossbow, or arbalest, were small and transportable, but lethal weapons used during war and were potentially the most effective. Longbows had an upper and lower wooden limb strung with hemp and were drawn by hand. Javelins or bolts were nocked above the hand and were shot long distances with great accuracy. Crossbows were derived from the longbow, were more developed, …show more content…
Longbows date back to before the Middle Ages but were adapted; the crossbow was the product. Methods of archery have since greatly changed. Stirrups were remade out of metal for durability and strength and revolutionized riding style and war tactics. Medical advancements were made in terms of taking preventative measures to help delay the spread of the plague. Recent cases of quarantine were initiated to prevent the spread of other contagious diseases such as Ebola, Small Pox, Cholera, Yellow Fever, and a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis. The quarantine process and prevention precautions saved many lives and thwarted any possible pandemics. Though these findings were not originally invented in Medieval Europe, their refinements and extensions achieved great success overtime as well as during the Middle
The longbow and crossbow, or arbalest, were small and transportable, but lethal weapons used during war and were potentially the most effective. Longbows had an upper and lower wooden limb strung with hemp and were drawn by hand. Javelins or bolts were nocked above the hand and were shot long distances with great accuracy. Crossbows were derived from the longbow, were more developed, …show more content…
Longbows date back to before the Middle Ages but were adapted; the crossbow was the product. Methods of archery have since greatly changed. Stirrups were remade out of metal for durability and strength and revolutionized riding style and war tactics. Medical advancements were made in terms of taking preventative measures to help delay the spread of the plague. Recent cases of quarantine were initiated to prevent the spread of other contagious diseases such as Ebola, Small Pox, Cholera, Yellow Fever, and a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis. The quarantine process and prevention precautions saved many lives and thwarted any possible pandemics. Though these findings were not originally invented in Medieval Europe, their refinements and extensions achieved great success overtime as well as during the Middle