The Resurgence of European Cities in the Middle Ages

Flashcards covering the growth, governance, social structure, and religious life of European cities between the 11th and 15th centuries.

When did Europe experience a period of rapid urban growth in the Middle Ages?

Between the 11th and 13th centuries.

What were the three main reasons for the growth of medieval cities?

1. Agricultural innovations reduced the need for farm workers. 2. Peasants moved to cities to escape serfdom. 3. Trade was revived and merchants settled in cities for protection and market access.

What was the rule regarding a peasant's freedom in relation to living in a city?

A peasant who lived in a city for one year was freed from their obligations as a serf.

Where were new cities often founded during the Middle Ages?

Along trade routes, at a crossroads, around a port, or in well-protected places like near a castle or abbey.

Which major medieval cities reached a population of around 50,000 inhabitants?

Paris, Bruges, Ghent, Genoa, Florence and Venice.

What was a city charter or fuero?

A legal document granted by a monarch that established self-government for a city and specified its rights and privileges.

How was the city hall or council structured and who headed it?

It was made up of councillors and headed by a judge and the mayors.

What were the main responsibilities of the city council?

Defence of the city, tax collection, and maintenance of the city walls.

Who were the bourgeoisie?

Inhabitants of medieval cities, originally a term for those living in a borough where merchants and artisans lived.

Which social group made up the elite of medieval urban society?

Wealthy merchants, artisans, and the city's high clergy.

What characterized the mendicant orders created in the cities?

They were religious orders of friars and nuns whose basic rule was a life of poverty and living off the aid (charity) they received.

What were the two main mendicant orders mentioned in the text?

The Franciscans and the Dominicans.

Where did Jewish and Muslim population groups live in medieval cities?

They lived in separate areas; Jews lived in the Jewish quarter and Muslims lived in the Muslim quarter.

Why did many Jews work in professions such as medicine and banking?

Because the Jewish and Muslim populations were not allowed to join the guilds.

What is a pogrom?

The persecution and murder of Jews, which began breaking out from the 14th century onwards.

What happened to Jews and Muslims who refused to convert to Christianity?

They were expelled by the monarchs.