AGST 1000 Lecture Notes - Horse Collar, Turbary, Estovers
12 Oct 2012
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Document Summary
The roman empire had an agrarian and slave based economy whose main concern was feeding the vast number of citizens and soldiers. The staple crops of roman farmers in italy were various grains, olives and grapes. Farmers could donate surplus crops to the government in lieu of monetary tax. Free grain distribution depending on the colonies for most grain. Barbarian migration and invasion from 3rd century onward. Break down of the economy and trade. Small farmers at the mercy of the warlords and bandits. Supported by an agricultural system that included extensive irrigation and expert knowledge of the most advanced agricultural methods in the world. This knowledge filtered into western europe in the 9th century via the moors in spain: new crops, new rotation, fertilizer. Improved animal breeds (sheep and horse: agricultural education, rewarded for labor, knowledge and capital input.
