Did People Only Drink Ale? Medieval Myths About Water and Beer
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About this listen
Medieval Morsels Podcast
Did medieval people really avoid water and drink ale all day instead? It’s one of the most persistent myths about the Middle Ages—and the truth is far more interesting.
In this episode of Medieval Morsels, we explore what people actually drank in medieval Europe and why. From wells and rivers to brewing practices and the role of “small beer,” we examine how sanitation, nutrition, and daily life shaped medieval drinking habits. You’ll learn how ale functioned as both food and beverage, why water wasn’t always as dangerous as modern myths suggest, and how brewing became an essential part of household survival.
By separating popular misconceptions from historical evidence, this episode reveals how medieval communities balanced practicality, health, and culture in something as simple—and essential—as a drink.
Follow Medieval Morsels for bite-sized history that uncovers the realities behind medieval myths and brings the past into sharper focus.