What Was Life Like 500 Years Ago?
During the 15th and 16th centuries, life was relatively difficult for anyone born without nobility or wealth. Many people began to explore new countries and regions during this time, which was difficult because of limited travel technology.
The 15th and 16th centuries were devoid of many of the modern conveniences most rely on for daily life. Indoor plumbing had yet to be fully developed and implemented, and storing food required using methods, such as pickling and preserving with salt.
Prior to the 15th and 16th centuries, most countries that did not share a border were incredibly isolated from one another. There were no airplanes, trains or cars to aid in long distance travel, so the two main methods of moving from one location to the next were by horse or by boat. This isolation meant that each society could only develop and grow within itself, as opposed to the global collaboration and introduction of different cultural techniques and resources that is common in the present day. It was during this time, approximately 500 years ago, that regional powerhouses, such as England, the Ottoman Empire and the Mongols, began to expand beyond their local borders and interact with neighboring nations. This introduced new types of foods and practices to each culture.
