Final answer:
The world 700 years ago was characterized by oppressive practices, religious wars like the Reconquista, and harsh living conditions for the common populace. Fearful perceptions of hell had a significant impact on the medieval mind, while today's moral and ethical perspectives differ greatly, often challenging the idea of a universal moral code.
Step-by-step explanation:
The world 700 years ago was one of stark contrast to our modern society, with many beliefs and practices that are now considered shameful by contemporary standards. During this period, fearful perceptions of hell greatly influenced the medieval mind, as the prospect of eternity in torment was a vivid part of their religious understanding. Major parts of life included warfare, oppression, and the tyrannical subjugation of entire populations, like the indigenous people during the European colonization of the Americas. The lives of commoners were harsh; serfs were bound to the land and their lords, with short life expectancies exacerbated by poor living conditions that lacked sanitation or effective medicine.
Pilgrimages were common, with individuals undertaking long, perilous journeys for spiritual fulfillment, facing unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain. Power struggles between governments and religious authorities featured prominently, with Christian forces in Spain engaging in the Reconquista, an almost eight-century long war against Islamic rule. The treatment of outcast and enslaved individuals was brutal, demanding a moral stand against such practices, as highlighted by philosophers and theologians of the time.
Despite these hardships, this era also included moments of intellectual growth and critical discourse about morality and humanity's place in the world, setting the stage for future developments. Today, many now challenge the concept of a universal moral code, reflecting a vast shift in cultural and ethical perspectives when juxtaposed with medieval beliefs.