[Sherman Logan]

My point was that, with rare exceptions generally ended quickly and bloodily, the Middle Ages did not have anything resembling modern labor unions.

I agree that the Middle Ages often get no respect. Technologically Western Europe was probably ahead of the ancient classical world by 1250 or so, with the advancement accelerating all the time. Rome, OTOH, was stagnant or even retrograde in technology for centuries.

The common man in the Middle Ages, while often severely oppressed by modern standards, was also well ahead of his equivalent in the classical world. The serf was at least recognized as a man with enforceable legal and property rights. The slave was chattel.

[stripes1776]

My point was that, with rare exceptions generally ended quickly and bloodily, the Middle Ages did not have anything resembling modern labor unions.

But most important of all, they did not have mircrowave ovens. Now that I call barbarian living.