History - Population, Growth and an Expanding Economy c.900-1300

Population first doubled to 73 million

then dramatically slashed...

Population figures also relate to climate - warm period is same time as population growth. this is not causal.

Birth rate (fertility) can be effected by famine

Age of marriage important

End of slavery and concept of monastacism

Death rate: No modern medicine, vulnerable to disease.

Malnutrition

Fluctuating death rate related to food supply and diet.

Search for food

Better Lands

To get better food production you need more labour, to get more labour you need more food. VICIOUS CIRCLE

Numerous empty spaces between villages, can sow there.

Forests cleared to make room for people.

People began to argue as areas filled up, so people explored further.

People moved long distances: eg Christians during Crusades + Normans into Sicily

Growth of trade controlled by Lords

In towns each one is granted an aspect of trade

In England, towns have anglo-origins.

Expansion of towns was at the same time as rural expansion.

Markets also developed - so towns followed.

Usually developed around churches

PLANNED TOWNS - deciding to create a town on an estate, e.g SALISBURY ... relocation in 1220