Was / Were the Middle Ages really as dark as we think?

Table manners was / were important, and there were even written manuals on how to behave at the dinner table.

Most housework was / were done by women.

Cattle was / were very important for peasants.

Poultry were / was raised for meat, feathers, and especially eggs.

In those days, politics were / was based on feudalism.

Goods were / was transported to Europe all the way from China.

Knowledge was / were spread by special messengers, or by rumours and gossip.

Scientific progress was / were made in monasteries and universities.

Mathematics was / were a very important subject, especially after the introduction of Arabic numbers.

Physics was / were a more controversial subject due to the influence of the Catholic Church.

Modern machinery was / were developed especially for military purposes.

Most people was / were Christians, but superstitions were strong, especially in rural areas.