The Growth of Medieval Towns.....

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THE GROWTH OF MEDIEVAL TOWNS
Introduction:
In the ancient world, town life was well established, particularly in Greece and Rome. Ancient towns were busy trading centers. But after the fall of the Roman Empire in the west, trade with the east suffered, and town life declined. In the Early Middle Ages, most people in Western Europe lived in scattered communities in the countryside. By the High Middle Ages, towns were growing again.

Reasons for the Growth of Medieval Towns:

1.     Growth of Agriculture: Farmers were clearing forests and adopting better farming methods. As a result, they had a surplus of crops to sell in town markets. And because of these surpluses, not everyone had to farm to feed themselves.
2.     Revival of trade: Seaport towns, such as Venice and Genoa in Italy, served as trading centers for goods from the Middle East and Asia. Within Europe, merchants often traveled by river, and many towns grew up near these waterways.
3.   Beginning of Settled life: Many merchants who sold their wares in towns became permanent residents. So did people practicing various trades.
4.     Manufacturing of Specific goods: Some towns grew wealthier because local people specialized in making specific types of goods. For example, towns in Flanders were known for their fine woolen cloth. The Italian city of Venice was known for making glass.
5.   Initiation of Banking: Other towns built their wealth on the banking industry that grew up to help people trade more easily.
6.  Changes in Social structure: At the beginning of the Middle Ages, towns were generally part of the domain of a feudal lord—whether a monarch, a noble, or a high-ranking Church official.
7.   Growth Independent Towns: In some places, such as northern France and Italy, violence broke out as towns struggled to become independent. In other places, such as England and parts of France, the change was more peaceful.
8.   Issue of Royal Charters: Many towns became independent by purchasing a royal charter. A charter granted them the right to govern them, make laws, and raise taxes. Free towns were often governed by a mayor and a town council.
9.    Shifting of Power: Power gradually shifted from feudal lords to the rising class of merchants and craftspeople. At the beginning of the middle Ages, towns were generally part of the domain of a feudal lord— whether a monarch, a noble, or a high-ranking Church official.
10.  Nonpayment of taxes: As towns grew wealthier, town dwellers began to resent the lord’s feudal rights and his demands for taxes. They felt they no longer needed the lord’s protection—or his interference.

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