Medievals is the plural form of the noun "medieval," which refers to a historical period that spanned from the 5th to the 15th century and is characterized by its association with the Middle Ages. It is used to describe the people, events, customs, culture, and ideas of this period.
In a broader sense, medievals can also refer to individuals who lived during the Middle Ages or attribute characteristics or traits associated with that time. These characteristics may include feudalism, chivalry, religious piety, a hierarchical social structure, architectural styles like Gothic, manuscript illuminations, and a predominant rural agricultural-based economy.
Medievals were intricately tied to their historical context, marked by the decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire and the subsequent emergence of various kingdoms and feudal societies across Europe. This period witnessed significant developments in art, literature, religion, science, and governance, reflecting the values and beliefs of the time.
To study and understand medievals, historians examine a plethora of primary and secondary sources such as chronicles, manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, architectural remnants, and legal texts. These sources provide insights into the political, cultural, religious, and socio-economic aspects of the medieval period, allowing researchers to piece together a comprehensive understanding of the medievals and their impact on subsequent eras.
