Medieval Europe. Where unbathed, sword-wielding knights ate rotten meat, thought the Earth was flat, defended chastity-belt wearing maidens, and tortured their foes with grisly gadgets. Except... this is more fiction than fact. So, where do all the myths about the Middle Ages come from? And what were they actually like? Stephanie Honchell Smith debunks common misconceptions about the time period. [Directed by Avi Ofer, narrated by Christina Greer, music by Stephen LaRosa]. 

Stephanie Honchell Smith: 6 myths about the Middle Ages that everyone believes

6 myths about the Middle Ages that everyone believes

Medieval Europeans knew the Earth was round and advanced literacy, debunking the myth of a 'Dark Age' devoid of knowledge.

Contrary to grim narratives, medieval people enjoyed public baths, valued oral hygiene, and shunned rotten meat, favoring spices.

The Middle Ages, far from being an isolated period, were marked by vibrant cross-cultural exchanges along major trade routes.