The quality of life during the Seventeenth Century depended heavily upon which strata of society a person was born into. The common man and woman had to be satisfied with their lot in life for the chances of improving their position was almost nil. The only escape might be to join the army or navy and gather plunder in one of the many campaigns being waged in the world. The possible gains had to weighed against the chances of death and serious injury.

For those born into a rich family life was easier and their chances of survival much greater. The mercantile trading families had their own worries however. How to improve their standing in Society. Whilst some aristocrats may have been poorer, they had something the merchants wanted - status. This had to be gained via marriage or, as was the way in Venice, a donation of a suitable amount to the local ruler.

Other than the fight for survival and status what did the people do for entertainment? What did they eat and drink? How did they spend their time?

Arts and Entertainment ...

How the Rich and the Poor entertained themselves.

Lifestyles ...

Social life of the Rich and the Poor in Seventeenth Century Europe.

Crime and Criminality

What constituted a crime? How was the criminal was caught? How were they punished?

Science and Sorcery

Dusty old men in universities or bold investigators of the unknown?

The Cost of Things

From shoes to musketballs, From wine to telescopes