Bogusław Jerzy Słuszka

At the table

High daily peasant beer consumption

In the 16th century, Polish peasants consumed substantial amounts of beer, often drinking between 1 and 1.5 liters per day.

What people wore

Expensive żupan costs for wealthy burghers

Wealthy townspeople owned multiple żupans, often valued between 20 and 50 złotys, with the most expensive pieces reaching up to 300 złotys.

Getting around

Importance of water transport

River travel was crucial for mass transportation, with large punts, barges, and rafts carrying passengers and goods across the Commonwealth.

What it cost

Food consumed most of a worker's wages

In the first half of the 17th century, daily nutrition costs rose significantly, consuming between 60% and 80% of a worker's total wages.

Music

Bagpipes at local inns and festivals

Bagpipe music was a staple of everyday life, frequently accompanying dancing at weddings and parties in both city and country inns.

Daily life

Heating and smoke management in homes

Peasant homes often used central hearths without chimneys, causing smoke to escape through roof openings, though houses with chimneys also existed. Wealthier urban and noble homes used tiled stoves and fireplaces, which kept kitchens separate from living areas.