The Middle Ages are now back in fashion. We are surrounded by many examples of the revival of interest in this historical era: from illustrated magazines and comics to numerous Internet communities romanticizing the time of knights and princesses. This book lifts the veil of secrecy over many medieval mysteries (from the Knights Templar to witches) and allows the reader to step out of the role of passive observer, blinded by the vivid scenery of modern films and performances about that era. At the same time, the reader will be able to find around him those features of the current civilization that go back to the Middle Ages: attempts by the Catholic Church to establish control over all believers, the emergence of modern civil society, some gestures (such as removing a hat for the purpose of greeting), as well as many words from the field of philosophy, law, technology and trade, which we still use.