Part 9/17:
In medieval Europe, the majority—farmers and peasants—lived in simple, often communal dwellings built from timber and mud, with thatched roofs and dirt floors. These single-room structures housed entire families and sometimes animals, with little privacy and poor ventilation. Over time, some farmers expanded to two rooms, adding lofts or second floors.
Urban dwellings for merchants and artisans emerged as narrow, tall houses called half-timbered or row houses, densely packed along medieval streets. These often featured overhanging upper stories, exposing them to fire risks—highlighting the constant challenge of urban safety.