The Middle Ages in Europe

Trade

100

From the 10th century, surpluses facilitate trade beyond the borders of the lordship. Commercial activities allow the emergence of an incipient bourgeoisie, the merchants, who originally were peasants who took advantage of the times when the work of the land was not necessary to trade.

Beginning of feudalism

300

Predominant political system in Western Europe, in the Middle Ages.

Fall of the Roman empire

470

The main characteristic of the fall was the loss of the ability of the Roman state to exercise dominion, both of its armed forces and its civil administration.

Establishment of the economy

1000

The so-called barbarian invasions, the fall of the Roman Empire and the subsequent weakening of the Carolingian Empire slowed economic activity. It is at this time when the modern agricultural techniques that, even existing previously, had been reduced to a few territorial areas are extended.

Population growth

1050

The population of England doubled in 150 years, tripling towards the end of the Middle Ages.

Alto clero

1100

The High Clergy begins to have - from the eleventh century - resources with which it builds churches, cathedrals and episcopal palaces

Fullness of feudalism

1200

Feudalism ended up reaching its maturity in the eleventh century and reached its full splendor during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Its evolution began in the heart of France, driven by the nobles who ruled the areas bathed by the Loire River, and spreading rapidly to places beyond the Rhine River, passing through the so-called Duchy of Normandy and reaching Burgundy.

End of feudalism

1600

The 17th century attended an economic crisis caused, among other reasons, by a demographic increase that was not accompanied by an adequate development of agricultural production.