Childhood and everyday life in antiquity and the Middle Ages - Finland, 2013 Author: Sari Katajala-Peltomaa, Ville Vuolanto

The work approaches children's experiences in antiquity and the Middle Ages through stories and concrete examples. What did everyday life consist of, how did girls and boys spend their time, and what kind of joys and sorrows did life include?

It is often thought that the life of children in antiquity and the Middle Ages was miserable and they were treated cruelly. In contrast, the bright and civilized modern age, which emphasizes the rights of the child, is presented. Childhood and everyday life in antiquity and the Middle Ages show the one-sidedness of that perception. Children's lives were characterized by relationships with parents and other family members, play and learning both at school and in everyday chores - just like today. On the other hand, the work done by children and religion as the rhythm of everyday life make childhood in the old world alien to us.

The work brings out the children's own perspectives and experiences and compares life in the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. Thanks to its life-like examples, the book is an interesting read. It is the first extensive study on the subject in Finnish, and its perspectives are groundbreaking even internationally.