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?