Fact Check: In the middle ages, people shat out windows

Did People in the Middle Ages Shit Out Windows?

Introduction

The claim that people in the Middle Ages routinely disposed of human waste by throwing it out of windows has circulated in popular culture and historical anecdotes. This assertion raises questions about sanitation practices during this period and how they were managed in urban environments. This article will explore the evidence surrounding this claim, examining various sources that discuss medieval waste disposal methods.

What We Know

1. Sanitation Practices: Medieval cities had various waste disposal methods, including cesspits, public latrines, and, in some cases, rudimentary sewer systems. For instance, in London, the Roman sewer system had fallen into disrepair, leading to less efficient waste management practices during the medieval period 39.

2. Legal Framework: Many towns implemented ordinances governing waste disposal. In London, for example, residents were responsible for maintaining their waste disposal systems, which included prohibitions against throwing waste into the streets 25.

3. Historical Accounts: Some historical texts suggest that the practice of throwing waste out of windows did occur, albeit not universally or as a primary method of disposal. Barbara Tuchman, in her work "A Distant Mirror," describes sanitation systems in medieval Paris, indicating that waste management was a significant concern for urban planners 6.

4. Cultural Context: The phrase "gardyloo," which was shouted as a warning before waste was thrown from windows, is often cited as evidence of this practice. However, the extent to which this was common or accepted varies by location and time 4.

5. Waste Management Evolution: Over time, attitudes toward cleanliness and waste disposal evolved. By the late medieval period, many cities began to develop more organized waste management systems, reflecting a growing awareness of public health 79.

Analysis

The claim that medieval people commonly threw excrement out of windows is supported by some historical references but is also met with skepticism and nuance.

• Source Reliability: The sources discussing this claim vary in reliability. Scholarly articles, such as those found on Academia.edu and JSTOR, provide peer-reviewed insights into waste management practices and are generally credible 110. However, popular articles, like those from Slate and Today I Found Out, while informative, may simplify complex historical realities for broader audiences 26.

• Bias and Interpretation: Some sources may have inherent biases based on their authors' perspectives or the platforms they are published on. For instance, articles that sensationalize the claim may do so to attract readership rather than provide a balanced view of historical practices.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodologies used in historical studies of waste management often rely on limited archaeological evidence and historical texts, which can lead to interpretations that may not fully capture the practices of the time. More comprehensive studies that include a wider range of historical documents and archaeological findings would strengthen the understanding of medieval sanitation practices.

• Contradicting Evidence: While some evidence supports the notion that waste was occasionally thrown from windows, other sources emphasize the existence of laws and social norms that discouraged such behavior. This suggests that while it may have happened, it was not the predominant method of waste disposal 57.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that people in the Middle Ages disposed of human waste by throwing it out of windows is partially true. Historical accounts and cultural references, such as the term "gardyloo," indicate that this practice did occur in some contexts. However, it was not a universal or primary method of waste disposal, as many cities had established legal frameworks and sanitation practices that discouraged such behavior.

The evidence suggests a complex picture of medieval waste management, where throwing waste from windows may have happened occasionally but was countered by regulations and evolving attitudes toward public health and cleanliness.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence, which often relies on a mix of historical texts and archaeological findings that may not fully represent the practices of the time. Additionally, the interpretation of these sources can vary, leading to uncertainty about the prevalence of this practice.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances involved in historical claims, recognizing that simplifications can obscure the complexities of past societies.

Sources

1. Waste Management in Medieval Cities (1150-1550) - Academia.edu. Link
2. Did people in the Middle Ages throw excrement out windows? - Slate. Link
3. Window Waste in Medieval Times: Fact or Fiction? - AVRC. Link
4. Cheerio and Gardi Loo! Words of Warning Prompted … - Ancient Origins. Link
5. Medieval Sanitation - Dolly Jorgensen. Link
6. Did People in the Middle Ages Really Throw Fecal … - Today I Found Out. Link
7. Waste Management and Attitudes Towards Cleanliness … - Medievalists.net. Link
8. Did medieval people throw sewage out their windows? - YouTube. Link
9. Medieval Hygiene - World History Encyclopedia. Link
10. Cooperative Sanitation: Managing Streets and Gutters in Late … - JSTOR. Link