Terry Jones' Medieval Lives
Medieval Lives... Knights in shining armor, damsels in distress, pious monks...Nonsense. The Middle Ages were far more entertaining than that . Legendary Monty Python star and medieval scholar, Terry Jones, has been leafing through the history books to find out what the medieval world was really like. What he discovered is a treasure trove of extraordinary stories and characters that challenges those tired traditional stereotypes. With the help of animated medieval paintings, these wonderful tales bring the Middle Ages vividly to life in all its corruption, violence and greed, courage, enterprise and learning. Anyone who enjoys Chaucer or Rabelais will be familiar with the earthy humour of the time, but few people know about the dark side of chivalry or that women and serfs were not downtrodden creatures at all. Each episode explores the role and function of a different medieval archetype. All of these stories are absolutely true and full of amazing facts.

How much do you think you know about the Middle Ages? Terry Jones' mission is to rescue this romanticised era from cliches and well-worn platitudes. Revealing that no one thought the world was flat and dental hygiene was actually better than it is today, Jones will use animation, medieval locations across Europe and new research to bring the Middle Ages to life. The truth behind eight familiar medieval archetypes including the Knight, the Damsel and the King is unravelled, exposing some wonderfully human stories.

Rolník
The stereotype of the medieval peasant is a toothless, filthy, ignorant wretch. Or were they? Terry Jones discovers that peasants were in fact literate, emancipated, highly political and legally savvy, house proud and healthy, and responsible for the peasants revolt of 1381. Terry Jones investigates the feudal system and the Peasants' Revolt, and discovers the truth about the Medieval Peasant in the process.

Mnich
Terry Jones examines the truth behind the medieval monastery. The ideal of giving up everything for a life of prayer and solitude was often undermined by monks' ability to make money out of almost anything; from sheep, iron-smelting, and even prayer itself.

Dáma
The modern image of medieval women is passive, shy, vulnerable and constantly in need of rescue. But the reality is very different. The damsels that Terry Jones discovers, ran businesses, led armies and, when they felt like it, even abducted the lovers of their choice.

Pěvec
Terry Jones investigates the truth about Minstrels, often seen as luvvies wandering the country to entertain the courts of lords and ladies with whimsical songs. But medieval showbiz could be a very risky business, often finding themselves involved in wars and politics.

Rytíř
erry Jones examines the romantic notion of the Knight in Shining Armour had little interest in rescuing damsels in distress. They were far more interested in the fine arts of killing people, making money and becoming famous. Terry discovers some unsavoury truths.

Učenec
Terry Jones puts a different view on Medieval scientists, or philosophers as they were known. Not only did alchemists, physicians and engineers of the Middle Ages make key scientific discoveries but they also had an ethical approach to their work.

Psanec
Were medieval outlaws really like Robin Hood and were the sheriffs evil and corrupt. The answer is no. Terry Jones discovers that Sheriffs were pen pushing bureaucrats and the biggest threat to law were the gangs of upper crust outlaws terrorising the country for the sole purpose of getting rich quick.

Král
Terry Jones asks just how much we really know about our medieval kings. Using the three king Richards as a sample, he discovers that 'Good' King Richard the Lionheart was anything but, and discovers one 'king' who's been deliberately airbrushed from history.