The Truth About Glasses in the Middle Ages - Explained!

The Middle Ages was a period in European history that lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. During this time, there were many technological advancements, but the question remains: Did the Middle Ages have glasses?

The Origins of Glasses

The first recorded use of glasses dates back to the 13th century in Italy. According to historical records, a Benedictine monk named Salvino D'Armate invented the first wearable eyeglasses in 1286. These glasses were made of glass or crystal and were held in place by a frame that rested on the bridge of the nose. However, it is believed that the concept of using lenses to aid in vision was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and even the Chinese as early as the 5th century AD.

Glasses in the Middle Ages

While it is true that glasses were invented in the 13th century, it is unlikely that they were widely used in the Middle Ages. The production of glasses was limited, and they were expensive and fragile, making them a luxury item reserved for the wealthy. It is possible that some monks and scholars used glasses to aid in reading, but it is unlikely that the average person had access to them.

Alternative Vision Aids

Even though glasses were not widely available, people in the Middle Ages still found ways to improve their vision. Here are some examples of alternative vision aids used during this time:

• Reading Stones: These were small, convex lenses made of glass or rock crystal that were used to magnify text. They were held up to the eye or placed on the page to aid in reading.
• Pinhole Glasses: These were glasses made of leather or wood with small holes punched in them. The holes would help to focus the light and improve vision.
• Hand Magnifiers: These were small, handheld lenses that could be used to magnify text or objects.

The Evolution of Glasses

While glasses were not widely used in the Middle Ages, their invention paved the way for the development of eyewear that we know today. In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses, and in the 19th century, the first mass-produced eyeglasses were made. Today, glasses are a common sight and are available in a variety of styles, materials, and prescriptions.

In conclusion, while glasses were invented in the 13th century, it is unlikely that they were widely used in the Middle Ages. The production of glasses was limited, and they were expensive and fragile, making them a luxury item reserved for the wealthy. However, people in the Middle Ages still found ways to improve their vision using alternative vision aids such as reading stones, pinhole glasses, and hand magnifiers. The invention of glasses paved the way for the development of eyewear that we know today, making it possible for millions of people around the world to see clearly.