Andrzej Czerminski

At the table

Beer as everyday beverage

Beer was the main everyday beverage for many, often brewed domestically, while mead was also consumed, though less frequently than beer.

What people wore

Popularity of slitted clothing

Slitting sleeves and clothes to reveal contrasting linings or shirts underneath became a very popular trend in the early 16th century. This style was adopted by various social classes as a touch of flirtation and intimacy.

Getting around

Importance of River Transport

Because land roads were often muddy and difficult, river transport using various vessels was essential for long-distance travel and the movement of heavy goods across the Commonwealth.

What it cost

Wages and purchasing power in Krakow

An average unskilled laborer in 16th-century Kraków earned about 2 grosze per day, which was enough to buy over 70 kilograms of rye or 45 kilograms of wheat per week.

Music

A cross-European dance hit

A dance title recorded in 1540, Zakłułam się cierniem (I pricked myself with a thorn), was so popular it appeared in musical tablatures across Western Europe.

Daily life

Dim interiors and limited kitchen space

Homes often lacked dedicated kitchens, with cooking performed in a hall or over a central fire, while small windows and expensive lighting made interiors dim.