6 Most Important Artifacts From the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages, or Medieval period, is a popular period in media. Books, movies, comics, and video games often look back on this period for inspiration. This period lasted centuries and began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and transitioned into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery.
Because of this long-lasting period, several artifacts from the Middle Ages are still important to this day. Many think about the Middle Ages and immediately think about movies like The Last Duel or even video games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance, let’s instead think back on some of the most important artifacts from the Middle Ages like these.
6. The Gutenberg Bible
The Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, was the earliest major book printed in Europe using mass-produced metal movable type, released in the 1450s. Printing this book started the Gutenberg Revolution and the age of printing in the West.
Out of around 180 copies that were originally printed, only 49 survive that are still damaged, while 21 survive in entirety. Not only are they believed to be the worlds most valuable books, but also one of the most important artifacts from the Middle Ages.
5. The Domesday Book
Next on the list of important and valuable artifacts from the Middle Ages is the Domesday Book. While another book on the list, it’s purpose is vastly different. The book is actually a manuscript record of the Great Survey that took place in England and parts of Wales, which were completed in 1086, ordered by King William the Conqueror.
The main purpose of this book was to record the annual value of every piece of landed property, resources in the land, labour force, and livstock value. This book gives insight into the social and economic structure of the time.
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4. The Crown Jewels of England
Of course, one of the most valuable artifacts from the Middle Ages has to be this spectacular collection of regal ornaments, including crowns, scepters, and royal regalia. These objects include the coronation regalia and vestments worn by British monarchs.
The collection includes more than 100 objects with over 23,000 gemstones. Even with an abundance of jewels, the collection is practically priceless, being of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value.
3. The Bayeux Tapestry
Some stories aren’t told within books. Some are embroidered on cloth that spans nearly 230 feet long and 20 inches talls.
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the evens leading up to the Normal Conquest of England in 1066, which was led by William, Duke of Normandy, challenging Harold II, King of England. The cloth consists of over 50 scenes, and is considered one of the most important and valuable artifacts from the Middle Ages.
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2. The Magna Carta
Next on the list of most important and invaluable artifacts from the Middle Ages is the the Magna Carta. Also known as the Magna Charta, this piece is a royal charter of rights agreed to by King John of England at Runnymede in 1215.
The charter was drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury to make peace between the unpopular king and a group of rebel barons who demanded that the King confirm the Charter of Liberties, which promised the protection of church rights, protection for the barns from illegal imprisonment, and access to swift impartial justice.
The charter became part of English political life and was typically renewed by each monarch in turn, although as time went, and the start of the Parliament of England passed new laws, it lost some of it’s significance. Even so, it’s still one of the most valuable artifacts today.
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1. Sutton Hoo Helmet
Found in 1939, the Sutton Hoo helmet is deemed one of the most valuable artifacs from the Middle Ages. The decorated Anglo-Saxon helmet was buried around 620-625 AD and is widely associated with Anglo-Saxon leader, King Rædwald of East Anglia.
The helmet has elaborate decoration that may have a secondary function simialr to a crown, making it a functional piece of armor as well as a decorative piece of metalwork. The helmet was discovered in piece in an early-medieval ship burial at the Sutton Hoo site in Suffolk, England. After reconstruction, the piece is now on display at the British Museum in London.
The findings of animal motifs on the helmet led archaeologists to the the epic poem “Beowulf”, as the poem describes his helmet as “beaten gold” and “adorned with boar shapes.” Not only this, but the burial findings was the first to reveal the cosmopolitan nature of souther England in the early Middle Ages.
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