Nobles ate rich and fancy food prepared by the servants.

About 20 percent of women and 5 percent of babies died during childbirth.

There were plenty of toys and games. Medieval children had dolls, spinning tops, rattles, hobby horses, blocks, balls, whistles and puppets. Little girls had glass jewelry for dress-up, while little boys played with wooden soldiers, whips, toy horses and wooden swords.

Women sewed, took care of children and ran the estate.

At age 7, boys were sent to another castle to begin learning to become a knight.

At age 7, girls were sent to another castle to learn to become a lady.

Marriages were never based on love. They were arranged by the parents and often involved land issues and strategic bonds.

Girls as young as age 12 were married to anyone who met the requirements of the girl’s parents. Grooms could be from 20 years to 50 years old.

Royal children learned a few manners, a little reading, writing and dancing.

Clothing