HIS109Y1 Lecture : Economic structure of medieval Europe.docx
Document Summary
Largest generator of wealth and status of poor. Between 400 and 700 b. c. population of europe declined. Due to disruption and disease brought by the barbarians. Sophisticated roman system couldn"t be maintained by barbarians. No motivation for agricultural innovation; grew what was easy to cultivate and grew what you needed. Lands that were difficult to cultivate were abandoned. Yields not improved due to small population. 8th and 9th century three field crop rotation replaces the two field method. Could leave 1/3 fallow by growing crops that helps the quality of the soil. Disease abated and the population rose with increase in food productivity and better nutrition. Peasant diet lacked protein, while the diet of the nobility had too much. Introduction of wheeled plow pulled by horses- peasants became rich enough to afford livestock. Lived in villages b/c agriculture was a community venture. Land was organized so that people could work it in groups. All european agriculture was based on manors.
