Today, College Kids Get Ridiculously Drunk. In Medieval England, They Got Ridiculously Murderous

According to a new study, college students in medieval England were more prone to violent behavior compared to their modern counterparts. Researchers have created "murder maps" of London, Oxford, and York to analyze the patterns of violence during that time period. The study reveals that conflicts between students and townspeople were common, often escalating into physical altercations and even homicides. Factors such as the concentration of young, predominantly male students, limited entertainment options, and a culture of excessive drinking contributed to the high levels of violence. The findings suggest that while modern college students may engage in binge drinking, their medieval counterparts were more likely to resort to physical aggression and murder. This historical perspective provides insights into the evolution of student behavior and the societal factors that influenced violence in the past. The research highlights the importance of understanding historical contexts to better address issues of campus safety and student well-being in the present day.