How were past times so violent?

[Mr Greene]

I was wondering, how was it that past times were so violent? Constant brutal wars, like the crusades.

I am asking how, now why. Let me explain myself. I think we all agree on the fact that it would be very difficult for most people on the world nowadays to take a sword and kill a whole family, including children.  So what was different on the past? Why are we more disinclined to kill other people on cold blood?

Could it be education? Were people more accustomed to watching gore? Was the value of life perceived different?

Many kings in those times were considered benevolent because instead of killing the enemy they enslaved them. Nowadays both are considered wrong. What has changed?

Also I find it interesting that so many enlightened people, from mathematicians to philosophers, were able to develop their work in such brutal times. Truly talented people.

Crusades and philosophers (Greek)?

You do realise that those came from rather different periods, and the period of the Crusades isn't particularly known for great advances in... well anything really...