Louis II of Hungary

What people wore

Men's daily attire and footwear

Men traditionally wore shirts with trousers or breeches, and in colder weather, they donned the suba, a long, fur-lined, buttoned cloak. While leather boots began to appear due to Ottoman influence, working in the fields often required simple laced sandals called bocskor.

Daily life

Rural Home Heating and Construction

In the central lowlands, a new type of oven heated from the base of the chimney became common in rural homes. These houses were primarily constructed from wood, making fire a constant hazard.

Work

Butchers as Wealthy Postmen

The butchers of medieval Hungarian towns were among the wealthiest guild members and frequently served as postmen because they traveled constantly for the cattle trade.

Music

Instruments used in secular-style music performances

In the early 16th century, musicians described heavenly music as being accompanied by fiddle, lute, drum, and cimbalom.

At the table

Two daily meals of bread and vegetables

Ordinary people in the Kingdom of Hungary typically ate two meals a day, consisting of bread made from rye, barley, or bran, as well as vegetables like cabbage, peas, and lentils.

Getting around

Everyday travel methods and preparations

Common travelers, such as poor students or musicians, typically traveled on foot, while wealthier individuals used horses or carriages; noblemen sometimes traveled in large caravans with multiple wagons for food and servants. Because roads were often in poor condition and lacked public infrastructure, travelers frequently relied on their own extensive preparations or local contacts for lodging.

What it cost

Daily Wages for Workers

In 1501, a common daily wage for workers in Nagyszeben was 10 denars.