Europe in the Middle Ages

Rome Falls and new Kingdoms emerge:France, Spain, England, Germany…

1000 – 1300’s CE

1000’s – very low population 14-1500’s – population doubles

Predict: What would cause this initially low population and then what would help population grow again?

Population

Manorialism – New Farming = New Economy

EUROPEAN MANOR AMERICAN PLANTATION

Fall of Rome was caused in part by a crumbling economy and weak currency.

After Rome, Europeans used a barter system… they had no money and physically traded goods for other goods.

In the Midde Ages, a Money Economy grew, based on currency, rather than simply goods.

Revival of Trade -

Venice, The Medici, and Capitalism

European cities like Paris, Rome, and London began as Roman military outposts.

After Rome fell the cities remained, but the population and quality of life dwindled.

During the middle ages, cities were re-born with more stable economies and more effective king’s.

Cities

Cities begin to develop their own vernaculars… or languages unique to a specific region.

Latin was the language of Rome, but as these cities grew, so did their language.

Latin develops into different vernaculars in the Middle Ages:◦ French◦ Spanish◦ German◦ English

Cities = New centers of trade, education, architecture and language

Universita di Bologna

The first universities emerge in European cities during the Middle Ages