Variations were immense over an entire continent and a time span of about 1000 years. The structure of the medieval household was largely dissolved by the advent of privacy in early modern Europe. From the household of the king to the humblest peasant dwelling, more or less distant relatives and varying numbers of servants and dependents would cohabit with the master of the house and his immediate family. Yet in contrast to the household of today, it consisted of many more individuals than the nuclear family. The medieval household was, like modern households, the center of family life for all classes of European society. Illustration from Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, ca 1410. The Duke is seen sitting at the high table surrounded by numerous servants, guests and dependants. John, Duke of Berry enjoying a grand meal.
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