Anne of Bohemia and Hungary

What people wore

Clothing as a valuable, durable investment

Clothing was considered a valuable investment that was not disposable, often passed down through inheritance, sold, or kept until it literally fell apart. Caring for and mending garments was a daily task, especially for women, and was essential for maintaining one's livelihood and social standing.

Daily life

Limited light to keep houses warm

In 16th-century Prague, small windows were used to conserve warmth during cold winters, even though this significantly limited the amount of natural light inside the home.

Work

Peasant labor and serfdom obligations

Most peasants were serfs who worked on their lord's land, typically performing three days of labor a week, with obligations increasing during planting and harvest seasons.

Music

Church music roles and groups

Parish school pupils performed polyphonic music during church services, while members of literary brotherhoods joined them in singing on Sundays and feast days.

At the table

Weekly Meat Market Purchases

In cities like Prague, it was standard practice to purchase meat for the entire week at the market on Saturdays.

Getting around

Walking and Mules for Daily Travel

Most ordinary people traveled on foot, covering 20 to 40 kilometers per day depending on the weather and terrain. For mountain paths, they often used sturdy mules for their surefootedness.

What it cost

Wages and prices for workers, 1500–1524

At the start of the 16th century, a day laborer could earn sixteen groschen per week without food provided. During this time, a pair of good working shoes cost three groschen, while a whole sheep was priced at four groschen.