Life in the High Middle Ages World History I

Growth of Europe Between 1000 and 1300, Europe’s population almost doubled from 38 million to 74 million. – Reasons for this: 1.Conditions in Europe were more settled and peaceful. 2.Food production increased. 1.Climate change led to improved growing conditions. 2.Changes in technology helped farmers. Water and Wind replaced human power. Iron was mined in Europe, leading to better tools. Shift in Crop rotation led to greater food production.

The Revival of Trade Trade grew during the middle ages. – Northern Italian cities became trading centers. – Italian cities began trading with northern European cities. As trade increased, demand for gold and silver rose.trade increased – A money economy developed in Europe. Trading companies and banking firms were set up, leading to a growth in commercial capitalism. Commercial Capitalism – Economic system where people invest in trade or goods in order to make profits.

The Growth of Cities The revival of trade led to a revival of cities. – Merchants and craftspeople began settling in old Roman cities. – New cities and towns were also founded. – Medieval cities began governing themselves. Elections were rigged so only patricians could win. – Benefits of living in a city. Jobs, safety, Intellectual opportunity – Disadvantages of city life. Constant threat of fire, unpleasant conditions, overcrowding, and constant threat of disease.

Growth of cities, cont. The growth of cities led to the development of guilds. – A guild is a business association. Guilds oversaw every aspect of an industry. – Set standards of quality, set prices, determined methods of production.

THE RISE OF EDUCATION Universities developed in Europe in the Middle Ages. UniversitiesEurope – Attended only by men. – Students studied a liberal arts curriculum. Grammar, logic, math, music, astronomy – After completing the liberal arts curriculum, students could study medicine, law, or theology. – Theology is the study of religion and God. These studies could take 10 years or more. Students who complete these programs and pass their exams were granted a doctor’s degree.

SCHOLASTICISM The study of theology was strongly influenced by scholasticism. – Scholasticism combined faith and reason. It harmonized Christian beliefs with the works of Greek philosophers. Works of philosophers, such as Aristotle, upset many Christians because his beliefs contradicted those of the church. – Saint Thomas Aquinas made the most famous attempt at reconciling Aristotle with Christian beliefs. In Summa Theologica, Aquinas used logical methods of questioning in an attempt to answer theological questions.

OTHER ELEMENTS OF CULTURE Latin was the language of medieval Europe. – By the 12 th century, more literature was being written in vernacular, the language of everyday speech in a particular region. The desire for new entertainment led to a growth in vernacular languages. More people spoke vernacular languages. Examples: Spanish, French, English, and German Architecture changed during the middle ages. – The Romanesque style of architecture was being replaced in many areas by Gothic architecture.architecture Stained Glass windows are one famous example of Gothic architecture.

Medieval Trade Routes

Romanesque ArchitectureGothic Architecture