Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Eboli

At the table

Staple diet of ordinary families

For ordinary people, the diet was based on bread made from rye, wheat, or millet, often accompanied by soup, legumes, or a small portion of fatback. Meat was a rare luxury for common families, typically reserved for special occasions.

What people wore

Clothing as a valuable family asset

For many rural families, clothing was so precious that it was never discarded; it was often reused, sold to cover funeral costs, or given as part of a domestic servant's wages.

Getting around

Travel was by mule or horse

Ordinary people relied primarily on mules and horses to travel between towns, as wheeled vehicles were generally not used for long-distance passenger travel during this period.

What it cost

Price of poultry and eggs

In the 16th century, a hen cost 2 reales, while a single egg was priced at 3 maravedís.

Music

Singing Popular Romances

Romances, which functioned as popular ballads for sharing news and stories of chivalry, were commonly sung at home by people accompanying themselves on plucked string instruments.

Daily life

Multipurpose household furniture

Homes often lacked specialized rooms, meaning the same piece of furniture could serve as a seat during the day and be converted into a bed at night.