The rich in the Middle Ages suffered from lead poisoning due to their preference for ceramics

Scientists found that the Middle Ages were poisoned by lead from the glazed cups and plates they used to eat dinner.

Pottery, rich people in the Middle Ages were poisoned by lead

According to the IB Times, researchers conducted chemical and anthropological analyzes on skeletons to distinguish between the rich and the poor and their lead poisoning levels.

Through analysis of 207 skeletons from six cemeteries in northern Germany and Denmark, the team found that lead elements were not found in the bodies of poor people and people living in rural areas while wealthy individuals at The city has high lead content.

In the Middle Ages in Europe (5th - 15th century), the enameled bowl contained lead ingredients . This chemical enters the body when people eat acidic foods. However, only the rich in urban areas are eligible for glazed ceramics. In rural areas, glazed ceramics are less popular and difficult to buy.

Rich people in Medieval Europe preferred glazed ceramics at meals.(Photo: Life in a Medieval Castle).

"At that time, lead oxide was used to glaze ceramics. It was very useful in cleaning the plates and making them look better so the demand for this toxic metal was quite high. However, when people For food with salt or acidity in glazed porcelain, the surface of the enamel will decompose and leak lead, " IB Times quoted Kaare Lund Rasmussen, a researcher at the University of Southern Denmark.

Three of the 6 cemeteries are located in the wealthy cities of the Middle Ages, the rest are cemeteries for rural people."There is a big difference in the level of lead in the bodies of people buried in cemeteries. It depends on whether they live in the countryside or in the city. We can hardly find lead in the bones of the farmers. In contrast, individuals living in cities have very high levels of lead in their bodies , " Rasmussen said.

Lead poisoning is especially dangerous for children. Because the child's nervous system is still developing, lead poison can affect intelligence and learning ability. Previously, scientists believed that lead poisoning also contributed to the collapse of the Roman Empire.

"In the Middle Ages, lead absorption is inevitable if living in a rich environment or in the city. But the more serious thing is that exposure to lead will lead to children with poor intelligence," Rasmussen said. emphasize.