QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About Medieval England?

What were sumptuary laws?

Retry Correct Incorrect Sumptuary laws regulated and reinforced social hierarchies through things such as clothing, food, and other luxury items. These laws encouraged social discrimination by preventing commoners from imitating the appearance of aristocrats.

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De Agostini/Getty Images

De Agostini/Getty Images

What were sumptuary laws?

• A regulation of social hierarchy
• Protected the king from criminal activity
• A tax imposed by the king
• Prevented people from entering places of worship