Child Mortality and Survival in the Middle Ages: Life Expectancy and the Age of Majority

The Middle Ages were a challenging time for human survival, particularly for children. High rates of child mortality meant that reaching certain age milestones was crucial for an individual to be considered safe and likely to survive into old age. This article explores the challenges of childhood during this period, the age of majority, and the general life expectancy.

High Child Mortality Rates

Child mortality rates in the Middle Ages were indeed very high, with many children not surviving past infancy. According to historical records, individuals who reached the age of 5 were generally considered to have a better chance of survival. At this stage, many of the most dangerous early childhood diseases and health risks had been navigated, marking a significant threshold for increased survival rates.

Survival into Adulthood

Survival into adulthood, typically considered around the age of 15 or older, was often seen as a more significant indicator of one's likelihood to live into old age. Those who survived to their late teens or early twenties had a much better chance of reaching old age. Research and historical data suggest that this was due to the reduced vulnerability to the diseases and high mortality rates associated with early childhood. Overall, while reaching age 5 marked a critical threshold for increased survival, reaching late adolescence or early adulthood was more commonly associated with a greater likelihood of living a longer life.

The Age of Majority

The age of majority, defined as between 14 and 20 years, was another crucial milestone. In many societies, individuals reaching this age were considered to have reached legal adulthood, with the ability to enter into contracts, own property, and make their own decisions. However, even those who reached 20 had a good shot at reaching 60. It's important to note that life expectancy varied widely, and many factors contributed to this range.

Challenges Beyond Childhood

While childhood diseases posed a significant threat, the big killers were not confined to childhood alone. Maternal mortality was a critical issue. In the Middle Ages, childbirth was a leading cause of death for women, with many dying during or just after delivery. This issue persisted well into the 19th century and remains a significant challenge in underdeveloped regions today.

Understanding Life Expectancy in Historical Context

The concept of life expectancy varies significantly when compared to modern times. In the Middle Ages, life expectancy was heavily influenced by the prevalence of childhood diseases, maternal mortality, and other diseases of the time. Historical records from royal families in Wales show a median lifespan of approximately 42 years for females and 48 years for males. Only 3 out of 20 individuals survived past the age of 55. Even at 21, your chances of living into your late fifties were relatively low.

Perceptions of Child Survival

The idea of child survival was closely tied to the belief that a child would either live or "stay." In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, set in late 19th century Nigeria, there is a vivid illustration of this belief. The character Ekwefi, when discussing her daughter Ezinma, reflects the common sentiment: "I think she will stay. They usually stay if they do not die before the age of six." A child was not given a name until it was clear that it was likely to survive. This mirrors the sentiments of many families in Europe during the Middle Ages, where the focus was often on survival rather than lengthy life spans.

Conclusion

The Middle Ages presented significant challenges for human survival, particularly for children. Reaching the age of 5 marked a crucial milestone in survival, but true longevity was associated with surviving into late adolescence or early adulthood. Understanding these historical contexts helps us appreciate the challenges faced by people of the past and the progress that has been made in modern medicine and public health.

Keywords

Child mortality, Middle Ages, life expectancy