THE REBIRTH OF CITIES Flashcards
(45 cards)
What period is referred to as the High Middle Ages?
12th and 13th centuries
This period was marked by prosperity in Europe.
What were the causes of prosperity in Europe during the High Middle Ages?
- End of the second wave of invasions
- Less fighting between feudal lords
- Increased agricultural production
These factors contributed significantly to the economic and demographic growth.
What agricultural technique replaced the biennial system?
Triennial rotation system
This system improved soil nutrients by rotating crops and leaving one part fallow.
What was the purpose of the mouldboard plough?
To dig deeper furrows for better seed burial
This innovation helped reduce seed loss to birds.
Name two new agricultural tools that improved farming.
- Mouldboard plough
- New types of harnesses and horseshoes
These tools enhanced traction and ploughing speed.
What types of mills were introduced during this period?
- Wind mills
- Water mills
These mills were used to grind grain into flour.
What shift occurred in agriculture due to surplus production?
From subsistence agriculture to market agriculture
This shift allowed trade to develop.
What were the main products traded at annual fairs like Champagne?
- Skins
- Fabrics
- Spices
These fairs facilitated the exchange of various goods.
What were the primary long-distance trading routes?
- Mediterranean route
- Baltic and Atlantic route
These routes connected Europe with Africa and Asia.
What role did the Hanseatic League play in trade?
It was a trade union that stimulated economic development and protected merchants
The league helped safeguard against piracy.
How did the banking system develop in medieval cities?
Due to the need for new payment systems for trade
This included currency minting and money exchange.
What payment method became common for merchants to avoid carrying cash?
Cheques
Merchants could cash cheques at bank branches instead of carrying money.
What was the consequence of improved agricultural production on population?
Increased population due to better nutrition and lower mortality rates
Europe’s population grew from 45 million to 75 million between the 12th and 14th centuries.
What was the primary function of medieval cities?
- Commercial centers
- Religious centers
- Educational centers
Cities hosted markets, churches, and schools.
What type of governance did medieval cities have?
Governed by a town hall with a mayor and councillors
These officials were typically from wealthy merchant families.
True or False: Medieval merchants used coins for all payments.
False
Many merchants used cheques instead due to safety concerns.
Fill in the blank: The new social class emerging with the growth of cities was called the _______.
Bourgeoisie
This class was divided into upper and lower bourgeoisie.
What were the two classes within the bourgeoisie?
- Upper bourgeoisie
- Lower bourgeoisie
The upper class consisted of rich merchants and bankers.
What rights did the bourgeoisie gain as they became more influential?
- Freedom from feudal lords
- Ability to trade special products exclusively
They also received privileges from kings.
What were the living conditions like in medieval cities?
- Poor hygiene
- Narrow, irregular streets
- Houses built closely together
These conditions led to high risks of fire and disease.
What was the main square in a medieval city typically used for?
- Center of the city
- Market activities
- Housing important buildings like the cathedral
It served as a social and commercial hub.
What was a significant consequence of the lack of a sewage system in medieval cities?
Poor hygiene and spread of infectious diseases
This directly affected the health of the population.
What class became very rich and often richer than the nobles during the medieval period?
The bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie were not a privileged class and lacked the rights of the nobility.
Who were the people that lived in cities and were not dependent on a feudal lord?
City dwellers, including some nobles, clergy, and poor people like servants or vagabonds.
