In this lively episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill broadcasts live from the Gloucester History Festival, joined by renowned historian and archaeologist Max Adams. Together, they embark on a journey to challenge the enduring myth that everyone in the past died young, delving into the realities of life expectancy in early medieval England.

Episode Highlights:

Unpacking the Mercian Chronicles: Max introduces his book, "The Mercian Chronicles," aiming to illuminate the often-overlooked kingdom of Mercia and its pivotal role in the formation of early England.

The Archaeology vs. History Debate: Explore the differences and intersections between archaeology and history, as Max argues for a more integrated approach to understanding our past.

Debunking the 'Everyone Died Young' Myth: Max passionately argues against the misconception that life was short in the past, highlighting evidence that many individuals lived into their 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Infant Mortality and Life Expectancy: The discussion examines the impact of infant mortality on average life expectancy figures and how surviving adolescence significantly increased the likelihood of living a long life.

Historical Figures Who Defy the Myth: Max shares fascinating examples of historical figures, such as Archbishop Theodore and King Offa, who lived long and impactful lives, challenging the narrative of early death.

Join us for an engaging conversation that not only uncovers the truths behind life in medieval times but also inspires us to rethink the narratives we accept about our history. Don't miss the Gloucester History Festival, where you can still catch live streams of the talks until Sunday, 25th May. Tickets are available at gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.

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