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Discover how European cities flourished after the fall of the Roman Empire, with safer conditions and increased trade stimulating growth. Explore the development of city governments, crafts, and guilds, and the intricate daily life within medieval cities.
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Trade in Europe after Rome • When the Roman Empire fell (476 A.C.E.), much of Europe’s infrastructure went into disrepair • By 1100 A.C.E., Europe became safer and new technology allowed them to make more food, goods • Safer conditions and more food stimulated trade increase
Medieval City Governments • Towns normally located in the lands of a lord • In exchange for taxes, townspeople were granted rights • Medieval towns gradually developed their own governments • Only males naturally born in the city or residents for a certain amount of time granted citizenship • Citizens also developed city councils
Crafts and Guilds • Artisans in Europe included cloth makers, metal-workers, shoemakers, tanners, carpenters, bakers, etc. • By 1200 A.C.E., nearly all of these groups had formed their own guilds, or business groups • Guilds set standards for work quality and construction, set membership rules • Become apprentice at age 10 – live with a master craftsperson (room + board, no wages) • After 5-7 years, become a journeyman and work for wages • To become a master, must produce a masterpiece
Medieval City Life • Narrow, winding streets • Houses made of wood, fires dangerous • Dirty – Wood fires made smoke, some burned cheap coal, animal and human waste dumped • City women ran their households, prepared meals, raised children, managed money.