Eleanor of Prussia

At the table

Ritual consumption of goat meat

Native rural populations in some areas continued to practice pagan customs, which included the ritual consumption of the roasted flesh of a goat.

What people wore

Expensive Fur Coats and Livestock Prices

Wealthier peasants in the 16th century wore expensive sheepskin coats trimmed with beaver fur and suede, costing as much as 1.5 kopa grossi, while basic sheepskin coats cost 40 grossi. For context, a high-quality sermėga (coat) priced at 40 grossi was equivalent to the cost of two pigs or two sheep.

Getting around

Carriages and walking were the primary travel methods

In the late 16th century, people typically traveled by horse-drawn carriage or on foot, with foot travel and heavy carts covering roughly 25 km per day. Carriages were often four-wheeled and could be covered, though road conditions were frequently poor and could include deep sand or mud.

What it cost

City Wages Surpassed Rural Earnings

Real wages for workers were significantly higher in cities like Krakow or Warsaw compared to rural areas, where serfdom and labor bonds depressed earnings.

Music

Elite music societies in Prussian towns

Elite music societies called collegia musica were established in towns like Kwidzyn to provide polyphonic music for church services and education.

Daily life

Annual family school tax

Each family was typically required to pay 8 schellings per year to support the teacher. In cases of need, this salary was supplemented by tithes.