LESSON 1 MEDIEVAL CITIES

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VOCABULARY Crop Rotation  rotación de cultivos Mouldboard plough  arado de vertedera Migrate  emigrar City Council  Ayuntamiento, consejo urbano Ghettoes  barrios de población marginal Quarters  neighborhoods

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life Agriculture and Population –New land was created by cutting down forests and draining marshes (secando marismas) –In some areas, the three-year system of crop rotation was established. This left only one third of the land fallow every year –The mouldboard plough ploughed the soil more efficiently –In Mediterranean areas, irrigation became more widespread and new crops were introduced –There was also greater use of wind and water mills continues

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life (…continuation) –Food production increased and there was less hunger (hambruna). As a result, there was a sharp population increase YOU EATYOU DON’T FEEL ILL OR SICK YOU DON’T DIE POPULATION INCREASE WE NEED MORE FOOD WE NEED INVENTS YOU PRODUCE MORE

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life Cities, new economic centers –Cities began to grow again in the 12 th century. Some old cities were revived and new cities appeard, often near a castle or monastery, at a crossroad or on a trade route –Medieval cities were small. The biggest cities had around 50,000 inhabitants, as Paris or Bruges or Florence continues

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life (…continue…) –New farming techniques resulted in less work for people. Many peasants had to migrate to cities to find work –There was a revival in trade. Many merchants went to live in the cities where the markets were. Peasants went to cities to buy and sell –Cities offered peasants a better life. They were not controlled by feudal lords. All the inhabitants were free. Each city had its own government, the city council, which was directed by a Mayor

Links and photos WATER MILL WIND MILL

ACTIVITIES Why were mouldboard ploughs more efficient? What were mills used for?