LESSON 1MEDIEVAL CITIES

FIVE MINUTES to READ page 44

VOCABULARY

• Crop Rotation rotación de cultivos• Mouldboard plough arado de vertedera

• Migrate emigrar

• City Council Ayuntamiento, consejo urbano

• Ghettoes barrios de población marginal

• Quarters neighborhoods

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life

• 3.1.1. Agriculture and Population – New land was created by cutting down forests

and draining marshes (secando marismas)– In some areas, the three-year system of crop

rotation was established. This left only one third of the land fallow every year

– The mouldboard plough ploughed the soil more efficiently

– In Mediterranean areas, irrigation became more widespread and new crops were introduced

– There was also greater use of wind and water mills continues

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life

• (…continuation)– Food production increased and there was less

hunger (hambruna). As a result, there was a sharp population increase

YOU EAT YOU DON’T FEEL ILL OR SICK

YOU DON’T DIE

POPULATION INCREASEWE NEED MORE FOOD

WE NEED INVENTS

YOU PRODUCE MORE

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life

• 3.1.2. Cities, new economic centers– Cities began to grow again in the 12 th century.

Some old cities were revived and new cities appeard, often near a castle or monastery, at a crossroad or on a trade route

– Medieval cities were small. The biggest cities had around 50,000 inhabitants, as Paris or Bruges or Florence

continues

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life

• (…continue…) – New farming techniques resulted in less work for

people. Many peasants had to migrate to cities to find work

– There was a revival in trade. Many merchants went to live in the cities where the markets were. Peasants went to cities to buy and sell

– Cities offered peasants a better life. They were not controlled by feudal lords. All the inhabitants were free. Each city had its own government, the city council, which was directed by a Mayor

Links and photos

http://www.historiasiglo20.org/MEC-BC/2-6-4.htm

WATER MILL

WIND MILL

ACTIVITIES

• Why were mouldboard ploughs more efficient?

• What were mills used for?