The High Middle Ages The High Middle Ages
- Slides: 7
The High Middle Ages
The High Middle Ages Part I • From 500 -1000 AD life in the Western Half of Europe was less than perfect. (Early Middle Ages) • No powerful government in place—people faced with constant invasion, war, civil war, food shortages, and disease. • However, around 1000 AD and the next 300 years, changes came to the WEST!
High Middle Ages (1000 -1300 AD) • Many Germanic Tribes had settled down • Fewer invasions (thanks to castles and feudalism) • Much more stability • Population grew as a result of less war, less disease, and a better weather pattern for growing crops. • During the early Middle Ages, the earth experienced a ‘mini ice-age. ’
High Middle Ages (1000 -1300 AD) • Between 950 -1350, the population increased from one million to three million!! • Feudal holdings also increased (more land was held by a lord) • There was a decline in slavery—population boom meant more people could work! No need for slaves! • The horse became important (tandem harness, nailed horseshoe, and the paddled horsecollar)
High Middle Ages (1000 -1300 AD) • Farming saw the most dramatic change! • Heavy wheeled plow was invented • 3 Field System of agriculture developed: each spring, half the fields were planted with a grain crop and the other half lay fallow; fields were carved into thirds, with one third planted with a a winter crop of wheat, rye, or barley; another third sown with spring crops of grain, peas, or beans; and only a third left fallow.
High Middle Ages (1000 -1300 AD) • ‘Industrialization’ occurred • Increase in water and wind-powered mills • The crank and spinning wheel allowed for production of inexpensive thread and cloth. • Cheaper linen and better clothing came about; also, cheaper paper/parchment was available.
High Middle Ages (1000 -1300 AD) • Mechanized clock was invented and the button for clothing! • Gunpowder from China was introduced and changed warfare and made the castle as a defensive tool obsolete. • The revival of “urban life” came about. Towns and large cities came into existence once again • This led to greater trade • In Italy, great cities grew and connected with the East.
