Understanding Historical Time Periods

📜 What Do You Mean by “Medieval”?

Historical cooking doesn't fit into neat boxes. What one person calls “medieval,” another may call “Renaissance” — and both might be correct. This guide helps explain how different time periods overlap and why recipe labels on this site include centuries, dynasties, and cultural movements.

📅 By Century

• 14th Century: 1301–1400
• 15th Century: 1401–1500
• 16th Century: 1501–1600
• 17th Century: 1601–1700

🏰 By Historical Period

• The Middle Ages (ca. 476–1492)
  From the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the Age of Exploration.
  • Early Middle Ages (ca. 500–1000) – Sometimes called the “Dark Ages”
  • High Middle Ages (ca. 1000–1250)
  • Late Middle Ages (ca. 1250–1500)
• Tudor Period (1485–1603)
  Encompasses the reigns of Henry VII through Elizabeth I in England.
• Elizabethan Period (1558–1603)
  Technically part of the Tudor era, focused on Queen Elizabeth I's reign.
• The Renaissance (ca. 1300–1700)
  Cultural rebirth that began in Italy and influenced Europe for centuries.
• Early Modern Period (1500–1800)
  Spanning the Reformation, scientific revolution, and colonial expansion.

🧭 Why the Overlap?

These periods don’t have firm start and end dates — and they vary by region. A 15th-century English cookbook may use medieval techniques, while a 15th-century Italian one shows early modern flair. This is why recipes on Give It Forth are tagged by both century and period when useful.

Curious where to begin? Head back to the Start Here guide