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Originally Posted by Neurion
Speaking in broad socioeconomic terms, I beg to differ.
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Perhaps. But Midieval Europe (which I'm assuming we're talking about, the period from 350 CE to 1450 CE) was quite a bloodthirsty place. Now, albiet, a lot of "civilized" institutions that we still enjoy today (such as universities, representative government, etc.) were invented during this time period. However, many changes (both social and economic) ensured a very violent way of life.
For example, this was the time period when Christianity was really starting to become popular. Although some Christians were tolerant of the older, polytheistic religions, most violently opposed them (witch hunts, the Crusades, Inquisitions, etc.). And even inside Christendom, different factions would disagree, sometimes
violently, over specific doctrine (such as the Trinity, immortality of the soul, etc.).
Not to mention the various rivalries going on. The French and British were almost constantly at war. Britain was trying to colonize and subdue as many people as possible (a trend which continued until recently). Various dynasties rose and fell, usually with blood being spilled on both sides. The Vikings raided and plundered whereever they went.
These examples (and the acutal damage done by them) doesn't hold a candle to modern-day conflicts, obviously. However, they certainly prove that people in Midieval Europe were just as bloody-minded as their modern-day counterparts.