ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Women in the Middle Ages

Hey kiddo, women in the middle ages were just like women today, but things were a bit different back then. Let me explain it to you like you're five!

In the middle ages, most women were expected to stay at home and take care of the family. This meant cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children. They didn't go to school like we do today, but some girls from wealthy families were taught by private tutors.

Women in the middle ages didn't have the right to vote or own property like men did. They also couldn't work in many jobs that were considered "men's work," like being a blacksmith or a soldier.

However, there were some women who broke these norms and became important figures in history. Take Joan of Arc, for example. She dressed as a man and led the French army to victory in battle during the Hundred Years' War. Another famous woman was Hildegard of Bingen, who was a composer, author, and herbalist.

Some women also became nuns, which was a religious role that allowed them to have more independence and education than other women at the time. Nuns could also become leaders in their convents and make important decisions.

Overall, women in the middle ages had fewer rights and opportunities than men, but they still made important contributions to society and history.