There are lots of written sources on history’s kings and queens, empires, civilizations, and many other aspects of how our world came to be. But archaeological excavations give us other artifacts that help historians and researchers understand the past as well. On top of that, we have objects rediscovered in churches or museums hundreds of years later that we now understand the meaning of as we uncover more stories about the past.

The medieval world gave us some really amazing artifacts from talented artisans. But they’re more than just beautiful or mesmerizing – they also tell stories about society and families and religion from the distant past.

These medieval artifacts will have you opening your mind to what life must have been like hundreds of years ago. Take a look and imagine the skill involved in crafting such amazing items way back when: