Part 2/8:
When exploring the winter hardships of the Middle Ages, one cannot ignore the onset of the Little Ice Age, which impacted Europe from around 1300 to 1870. The cold winters during this period created an environment where starvation and illness were common, and every winter posed a new threat to survival.
Peasant houses were often poorly insulated, made from materials like wood, wattle, and daub, which let in the cold. To combat the chill, many homes were built on earth mounds, allowing any gathered heat from a central fire to be retained better. However, the lack of proper chimney systems meant that smoke would fill the living space, leading to a stench that permeated daily life, especially during the frigid months.