Lampreys were a prized status symbol for medieval elites, though their fame is most tied to Henry I’s fatal 1135 feast. This oily, prehistoric fish remained a symbol of power and privilege long after. #FoodHistory #MedievalHistory The Château de Gisors served as a vital Anglo-Norman stronghold on the Vexin frontier. Throughout the 12th century, its fortifications evolved from timber to stone, marking the high-stakes power struggles between Henry II and the French crown. #UrbanHistory #MedievalHistory While spices like cinnamon and ginger were known in 11th-century Europe as rare medicinal items, the 'age of aggressive seasoning' in Venetian markets truly flourished following the 13th-century expansion of trade routes. #FoodHistory #MedievalHistory