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Life in Medieval Cities. Trade in Europe after Rome. When the Roman Empire fell (476 A.C.E.), much of Europe ’ s infrastructure went into disrepair By 1100 A.C.E., Europe became safer and new technology allowed them to make more food, goods
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Trade in Europe after Rome • When the Roman Empire fell (476 A.C.E.), much of Europe’s infrastructure went into disrepair • By 1100 A.C.E., Europe became safer and new technology allowed them to make more food, goods • Safer conditions and more food stimulated trade increase
Medieval City Governments • Towns normally located in the lands of a lord • In exchange for taxes, townspeople were granted rights • Medieval towns gradually developed their own governments • Only males naturally born in the city or residents for a certain amount of time granted citizenship • Citizens also developed city councils
Crafts and Guilds • Artisans in Europe included cloth makers, metal-workers, shoemakers, tanners, carpenters, bakers, etc. • By 1200 A.C.E., nearly all of these groups had formed their own guilds, or business groups • Guilds set standards for work quality and construction, set membership rules • Become apprentice at age 10 – live with a master craftsperson (room + board, no wages) • After 5-7 years, become a journeyman and work for wages • To become a master, must produce a masterpiece
Medieval City Life • Narrow, winding streets • Houses made of wood, fires dangerous • Dirty – Wood fires made smoke, some burned cheap coal, animal and human waste dumped • City women ran their households, prepared meals, raised children, managed money.