LESSON 3 MEDIEVAL CITIES

FIVE MINUTES to READ pages 48 and 49

VOCABULARY Craftsmen  artesanos Workshops  talleres Guilds  gremios Journeymen  oficiales Apprentices  aprendices Trade fairs  ferias

3.2. Urban activities Craftsmen and Guilds –Population grew and there was greater demand for clothes and objects made of wood and metal. –The number of craftmen increased. They made their products by hand. They worked in small workshops, which were located in the owner’s house. The products were sold there too –Craftmen of the same profession often live in the same street, as in Baker Street or Tannery Row continues

3.2. Urban activities Craftsmen and Guilds (continue…) –All artisans in the same profession joined a guild. Each guild had its own statute, which established member’s rights and obligations –Guilds controlled production, prices, number of workers,… –Guild also looked after their families. Sometimes guilds built hospitals. –Nobody could work in a trade if they did not join a guild continues

3.2. Urban activities Craftsmen and Guilds (continue…) –There were three categories of craftsmen Master craftsmen: owned the workshops, the tools and the raw materials (materias primas). Journeymen: were skilled craftsmen who received wages (hombres preparados que reciben sueldos) Apprentices: were young men who wanted to learn a trade. They lived in their master’s house and worked for him for several years. They did not receive any payment.

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life The development of trade and banking –Trade developed quickly from the 12th century. Products were transported by land, river or sea –There were two important sea routes: Mediterranean route: linked Spanish and Italian cities with Muslim ports and the Byzantine Empire. Products: luxury items like perfumes, silks, spices… Atlantic and Baltic route: was dominated by a merchant’s association, the Hanseatic League. They link Portugal and Cantabria ports with Flemish (flamencos), German and Russian. Products: amber, furs, wood,… continues

3.1. Recovery of Urban Life (…continue…) –Merchants met at trade fairs. The biggest fairs were held in the Champagne region of France. –As a result of the increased in trade, banking techniques changed and new financial methods were developed: Payment by credit was introduced Bills of exchange made it unnecessary to carry money

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