Rise of Towns

Life In Medieval Towns - The Growth of Medieval Towns

The trade routes shown on this map carried a constant flow of goods among European cities and from distant Asia and Africa. Towns of the Hanseatic League cooperated to form a powerful trade group in northern Europe.

In the ancient world, town life was well established, particularly in Greece and Rome. Ancient towns were busy trading centers. But after the collapse of the Roman Empire in the west, trade with the east suffered, and town life declined. In the Early Middle Ages, most people in western Europe lived in scattered communities in the countryside.

Multiple Choice

Where did most people live?

• scattered communities in the countryside.

• In busy cities

Multiple Choice

Ancient towns were busy _________.

• trading centers

• Shopping Malls

By the High Middle Ages, towns were growing again. One reason for their growth was improvements in agriculture. Farmers were clearing forests and adopting better farming methods, which resulted in a surplus of crops for them to sell in town markets. And because of these surpluses, not everyone had to farm to feed themselves.Another reason for the growth of towns was the revival of trade.Seaport towns, such as Venice and Genoa in Italy, served as trading centers for goods from the Middle East and Asia. Within Europe, merchants often transported goods by river, and many towns grew up near these waterways

Multiple Choice

Middle Countries served as trading centers for goods from the Middle East and Asia.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

surplus means...

• Having more than what you need

• Having less than what you need

Multiple Choice

agriculture is another word for

• Farming

• Singing

Many merchants who sold their wares in towns became permanent residents. So did people practicing various trades. Some towns grew wealthier because local people specialized in making specific types of goods. For example, towns in Flanders (present-day Belgium and the Netherlands) were known for their fine woolen cloth.Meanwhile, workers in the Italian city of Venice produced glass. Other towns built their wealth on the banking industry that grew up to help people trade more easily.

Multiple Choice

Flanders (present-day Belgium and the Netherlands) were known for their fine woolen cloth.

• true

• false

At the beginning of the Middle Ages, towns were generally part of the domain of a feudal lord—whether a monarch, a noble, or a high-ranking Church official. As towns grew wealthier, town dwellers began to resent the lord's feudal rights and his demands for taxes. They felt they no longer needed the lord's protection—or his interference.

In some places, such as northern France and Italy, violence erupted as towns struggled to become independent. In other places, such as England and parts of France, the change was more peaceful.Many towns became independent by purchasing a royal charter, which granted them the right to govern themselves, make laws, and raise taxes. Free towns were often governed by a mayor and a town council. Power gradually shifted from feudal lords to the rising class of merchants and craftspeople.

Multiple Choice

Power gradually shifted from feudal lords to the rising class of merchants and craftspeople.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

___________ erupted as towns struggled to become independent

• Volcanos

• violence