Historical analysis
Table of contents
Content pages
Introduction ……………………………………………………………….………………3
Main architectural…………………………………………………………………………3
Factors responsible for evolution………………………………………………………….3
Problems associated with development……………………………………………………7
Impact of the developments…………………………………………………..…………12.
Appendices……………………………………………………………………………….14
References ………….………………………………………………………………………………..16
History dates explain ancient periods such as medieval, renaissance, roman and the 20th centuries. Each period was significant to the development of European region. The report will focus on Baroque as the major architectural fortress of the urban history. It will also discuss factors that led to evolution of the period. Besides the period was faced by several problems which majority of them were negative. Finally the report will discuss in-depth impact of the medieval period to the urban development.
Main architectural and urban period.
Baroque architecture is dated in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. It was associated with drama aspects. It developed from the renaissance designs which involved a lot of carving. The art was majorly designed on landscaping in Italy. Baroque was a reference for deformity. It was characterized by variety of colors, shape, sculptural values and intensity. It was associated with counter-reformation which was a catholic movement. It aimed in reforming itself from the protestant reformation. It constituted of roman vocabulary (Toman, 2013).
Medieval urban period existed between fifth to fifteenth centuries. It developed after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Later on middle ages (medieval) gave rise to renaissance which finally led to age of discovery. Middle ages is divided into three traditions namely: classical antiquity, medieval period and modern period. Medieval period is further divided into early middle ages, high middle ages and late middle ages. Medieval period was associated with severe times in the human era. However the period marked immense increment of population.
Factors that led to evolution of medieval period
The following factors contributed to diffusion of medieval period
Population growth in the middle ages
Population increase facilitated growth of middle ages. During 1050 and 1500 population reached its peak in Europe. However it declined between 1200 and 1275 due to challenges that faced Europe such as civil wars, accidents and unfavorable climatic conditions. Population led to increased productivity because labor was available. Crops rich in minerals and vitamins improved eating lifestyles of the people. Life expectancy of people was high and the population curve kept on increasing (Kieckhefer, 2014).
Technology in the middle ages.
Technology led to economic growth. It led to new innovations and dissemination in Europe. During the roman period they were not conscious about technology. Medieval period was fairly interested in the technology advancement. Middle ages were termed as dark ages because there was little developments which were achieved. However, middle ages tried to come up with innovation but they were not successful until the period of discoveries. Cereal production increased during medieval period.
They devised mechanisms of improving cereal production from the soil before the chemical fertilizers were invented. They used drought animals especially horse. Ox drawn ploughs were used and the animals provided enough labor in the fields. Europe had great population and required a lot of food to sustain it. They preferred horses more than ox. Horseshoe was invented to provide protection to the horse hooves which are more sensitive. Horseshoe prevented traction in the soil. Skills of harnessing horse developed (Clark, 2015).
Farming improvements
Heavy wheeled plow were developed in the Europe during Carolingian period. It was used in large scale farming. It was majorly used by greatest churches and monasteries. It was proliferate throughout during Middle Ages until eleventh centuries. Plow was beneficial for various reasons: the slicing power of the implement was great as it cut heavy soil clods. Soils in Europe were productive although they were deep clay soils. Such soils were difficult to work on and required complex equipment. However the implement was well suited for the soil since it could turn the soils crevices effectively.
Invention of implement led to increased demand for iron in Europe. Iron was used in making plows. Smiting improved due to increased demand of iron. Invention of plow led to establishment of smiting industry in Europe. Water mills were established for milling cereals. In Low-income Countries they used windmills in turning cereals mills.
However, watermill was more efficient than windmill because there was constant flow of water unlike wind which blew seasonally. There was surplus production of cereals in Europe. More land was converted into farming and new innovations were incorporated in farming (Stump, 2016).High population required a lot of food for better living. They relied mostly in bread which was staple food in Europe. Many milling stations were established to ensure massive production.
New method of land use in the middle ages
Intensive farming was practiced in productive areas. Farmers cultivated in a region until it become less productive. Shifting cultivation became prevalent during medieval period. Communities were able to sustain themselves for long period of time. Exhausted land was left fallow for a certain period of time until it gained fertility. There was mutual benefit between animals and crops. Animals provided manure for the pasture regeneration while manure provided organic fertilizers in the farm.
In 1050 three-field system was practiced in Europe. Land was divided into three portions. One portion was planted winter crops, the other plot with spring crops and the other portion was left fallow. The system was later referred to as rotational farming. More land was put under cultivation. Balancing of winter and spring crops gave surety of alternative opportunities in case one enterprise failed.
Besides, drought animals fed on the plant remains in the farm. Surplus production was sold earning income. Insurance of crops was guaranteed from the variety of crops they grew. Surplus production led to development of trade. Roads were required to provide means of transport. Wagon and horses demand increased because they were only preferred means of transport.
Trade in the high middle ages.
Development of transport system and vehicles led to establishment of urban centers. Cities developed. Demand for food increased in towns. Agriculture contributed in the development of trade. Church and government worked hand in hand to protect traders and trading routes. Increased trade led to emergence of exotic products from other countries and establishment of crusades. Exotic products was a sign of prestige because not everybody was in position to acquire them. During 13th and 14th century trade moved from Mediterranean region to the northern Europe. (Barber, 2013).
Mining and heavy industry in the middle ages
Surface mining was practiced which favored diffusion of medieval period. Stone mining was the major activity because metal mining required deep excavation and there were no sophisticated machinery during medieval period. Stones were used in building churches and urban centers. However, Small amount of iron was obtained through surface mining.
Urban centers in the middle ages
Money circulation increased that favored economic growth. Town centers developed faux-burgs which are currently known as suburbs. They were mainly occupied by merchants who united to participate in trade. Trading was done as a part time after merchants came from their working stations. Settlement in the suburb began in 1100 which was promoted by merchants. Artisan industry start to develop due to the influence of merchants. Government in collaboration with government set regulations for harmonious living in towns. Before high middle ages Europe was industrious and dynamic
Problems associated with development of Medieval
Medieval crisis involved series of events in the 14th and 15th centuries. It led three major problems: demographic collapse, political instabilities and religious upheavals. Series of famine broke out due to population increase such as great famine of 1315-17. European population took over 150 years to regain its normal stature of 13900s. Civil wars broke during late-Medieval Europe such as France and England revolution. Unity among Catholic Church was disrupted by western Schism. The great Roman Empire lost its stability in great interregnum (1247-1273).
Demography
At the beginning of 14th century, European states was hit with population upheavals. Internal colonization was declining during that time despite increment of population that kept rising. Medieval warm period ended on the 13th century and led to little ice age. It was accompanied by harsh winters which destroyed harvests. New technological innovations in Northern-Europe were not effective. Heavy plough and three-field system were not effective for the primary cultivation. They were used in the Mediterranean region. However, northern region had deep clay soils which required sophisticated equipment such as subsoilers and forked jembe. Food shortage become a crisis and price inflation occurred (Gerli, 201).
Food shortage led to malnutrition which made people vulnerable to diseases due to weakened immunity. Northern region was hit by great famine for seven years. During (1315-1317), North-west Europe was heat by a catastrophic famine called Great Famine. The ordeal reduced European population by ten percent. Government prohibited export of foodstuffs as a remedy although black market dominated in the illegal trade. It also set standard prices on grains and prohibited large-scale farming of fishing. The regulations was a setback for most countries globally. New regulations destabilized global trade because Europe was a source of cereals.
England was unable to import grain from France due to the strict regulations. Production of cereals declined due to shortage of labor and implements to facilitate cultivation. Shipment of cereals was also harbored due to increased sea pirates who captured ships and sold grains into black market.
Countries like England and Scotland spent much of their time in war leading to price inflation. During Black Death England and France got into war in 1337 known as Hundred Years’ War. Land owners and monarchs increased fines and rent in fear of declining living standards. European economy was adversely affected and led to a vicious circle of epidemics such as drought, hunger and diseases.
Productivity went down that led to surge of prices. Eventually, it led to low living standards. Typhoid epidemic struck urban centers and massive death was recorded in Ypres (Belgium). Animals were not spared due outbreak of anthrax. It claimed livestock especially cattle and sheep leading to reduced food supply and income of the peasantry (Richard Britnell, 2013)
Climate change and the great famine
Transition from medieval warm period into little ice age led to devastating floods which destroyed harvest. Heavy rains poured during 1315 and 1317 increasing incidences of flooding. Crop maturation was affected and most parts were left rocky and barren. Scarcity of grains led to increased famine and price inflation. In Europe, price of wheat doubled from twenty shillings to forty shillings in 1315. Grave harvests declined leading to decline in wine production in Europe.
By 1317, vineyard fields decreased by 80% in Abbey of Saint-Anould. Livestock production declined due to attack by Bovine Pestilence. Epidemic spread further to Asia and Britain territories in 1319. Low temperatures and poor nutrition adversely affected livestock production. Milk production reduced drastically due to high mortality rate of cattle. Medieval population relied on livestock for protein supplement. Fifteen percent of the European population died due to famine and pestilence (Wilks, 2018).
Political and religious crisis
Before Medieval urban development, popular revolts were not experienced in Europe. They emerged during medieval era. Local uprisings started to erupt such as manor house and unpleasant overload uprisings. Revolutions become prevalent that led to exploitation of middle class by the wealthy and royal families.
Social movements were initiated which led to demonstrations across Europe. In Germany it recorded sixty phases of militant peasant unrest during 1336 and 1525.As discussed earlier political crisis affected the stable religious stature of Europe. Unity of Roman Catholic Church was shattered and let to collapse of the Holy Roman Empire.
Catholic Empire lost its stability and it split into dynasties especially from Germany. Civil wars erupted which reduced European population such as ottoman wars and hundred Years’ War.
Plague
Plague killed many people during medieval ages. It was referred as Black Death. It was transmitted by Yersinia pestis bacteria. Rats were vectors for the plague. People died in England, wales, Spain, Russia France, Italy and Germany. It caused buboes (oozing swelling) all over the body. It caused darkening of skin due to toxins it released in the bloodstream hence Black Death. It was transmitted through sneezing and spitting from one person to the other. It affected respiratory system especially lungs.
Black Death killed almost half of population in Europe. People lacked preventive and treatment measures in containing the menace. People believed it was a punished by God out of human sin. Incubation period for the bubonic plague was one week. Survival chances were 20% upon infection. Children were most vulnerable as they recorded the highest mortality rate.
Travel
During medieval period travelling was faced with hostility. It was difficult to locate secure place to sleep. Travelers slept in open places during winter subjecting themselves to freezing and eventually death. Traveling in groups provided security. However, it was possible to be robbed by group member. Food poisoning was common in Europe. When a person ran out of food, stealing and foraging was the last option.
Medieval travelers were caught between wars and sometime were thrown into prison. They were also injures because they were prone to accidents. They lacked foreign language understanding making communication difficult. Travelers were involved in accidents such as drowning in rivers. For example, Fredrick I of Holy Roman Empire drowned in Saleph River in 1190 during the third crusade. Besides, disaster struck 200 people in Rome during 1450 jubilee. They perished while crossing great bridge of Sant’ Angelo (Postan, 2016).
They travelled by sea or on land. Traveling by sea posed great problems from storms and rowdy boats. Boats were not strong enough to withstand challenges posed by sea. However sea travelling became safe by the later middle ages. Medieval Travelers covered 15-15 miles travelling on foot, 20-30 and 75-125 miles sailing in a ship in a day.
Heresy
In medieval period, people who were contrary to the teaching of Christian church were considered as heretics such as Muslims, Jews and Cathars. Religious leaders ensured success of Christendom in the late 11th century. Jerusalem was captured in 1099.Jews and Muslims were subjected to persecution, expulsion and even death by European Christians.
Jews were banished in England by Edward 1 in 1290. In 1492, they were expelled from Spain. However, Muslims were only allowed to stay after converting into Christianity. Holy wars were prevalent among heretics. During 13th and 14th centuries massacres increased in France where inquisitions and executions prevailed.
Hunting
During medieval period, hunting was considered as a form of leisure for medieval royals. Hunting skills were highly appreciated by the royal families. England William the conqueror established royal forest for enjoying hunting skills. However hunting involved some risks. Hunters encountered accidents in their daily activities. Some of hunting threats include:
- Falling from horse
- Piercing by an astray arrow
- Mauling by boar horns
- Attack by bears
High profile people in the royal families were not spared either. For example, emperor Byzantine Basil 1 died when his belt impaled on the horse in 886. King William 11 died of an arrow in a hunting accident and finally king Fulk of Jerusalem died in 1143 in horse accident.
Impact of medieval period on urban development.
Trading merchants led to growth urban settlement. They participated in trade which greatly influenced growth of new cities. Agricultural inventions led to growth of agro-industries for manufacturing agricultural production. Heresy led to stable existence of Muslims and Christians. Islamic religion increased leading to peaceful coexistence in the urban centers. Trading routes developed to urban centers due to increased trading commodities comprising of both exports and imports. New empires were established which controlled trade and played vital role in governance. Trading routes developed which opened Europe to the outside world. More industries were established and Muslim region began to grow in Europe (Joseph Black, 2014).
In conclusion, the report has discussed factors that led for the development of the urban period in details. Developments done during the period led to increased urbanization in Europe.. However some challenges posed greater challenge to the high population. Population of Europe was decreased almost halfway by epidemics which hit Europe.
Appendices
Figure 1medieval trade
Figure 2four wheeled wagon
Figure 3heavy wheeled plow
Figure 4baraque architect
References
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Clark, J. W. (2015). Libraries in the Medieval and Renaissance Periods. london: Macmillan and Bowes.
Gerli, E. M. (201). Medieval Iberia. milton park: Taylor & Francis.
Joseph Black, L. C. (2014). The Broadview Anthology of British Literature: Volume 1: The Medieval Period – Second Edition. Peterborough: Broadview Press.
Kieckhefer, R. (2014). Magic in the Middle Ages. uk: Cambridge University.
Postan, M. M. (2016). Essays on Medieval Agriculture and General Problems of the Medieval Economy. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press.
Richard Britnell, J. H. (2013). Progress and Problems in Medieval England. cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Stump, E. (2016). Dialectic and Its Place in the Development of Medieval Logic. new york: Cornell University Press.
Toman, R. (2013). Baroque: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting. Charlotte: Innovative Logistics Llc.
Wilks, M. (2018). The Problem of Sovereignty in the Later Middle Ages. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.