Organized sports as we know them today did not exist, but people have always enjoyed competition, in whatever ways were available.

In today's world the choices available to us, for entertainment, are limited only by our imagination. It was the same for Renaissance folk!

To really understand any historical time period it is essential that one has a firm grasp on the vocabulary of the times. In this article, the definitions for various merchant occupations are given and defined.

During the Medieval and Renaissance Periods there were many skilled craftsmen that not only provided vital items of daily life but made a living at their craft. In this article I will look at a few of the more common skilled crafts.

One of the deadliest pandemics in history, the "Black Death" is often credited as one of the major factors leading to the European Renaissance.

A Christmas holiday practice that became traditional in Renaissance England is that of "Wassailing." How much do you really know about this practice?

During the Renaissance, holidays were much treasured not only for their religious significance, but for the extra opportunity they afforded people of the working classes to enjoy a day of leisure.

During outbreaks of the black plague, city officials throughout Europe were forced to hire what are known as "plague doctors" to assist in the treatment of plague sufferers.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, food preparation was one of the duties of women, for their own families. In some instances a part of the job of preparing food was done by people outside the family, as a way to make their living.

A simple, easy to make and yummy recipe updated from the original 14th Century, for today's cook.