Getting High off the Middle Ages!
By Sydney²
Relationship between the holy Roman emperors and the popes
Regional States in England, France, and Italy
Capetian France was a centralized regional state that was non-aggressive, and relied on regional monarchies based on lord-retainer relationships.
The Normans, who were descendents of the Vikings, occupied Normandy France and later invaded England and introduced Norman styles of political administration. Both faced challenges from their retainers and external forces.
The Papal State, located in central Italy, was politically and spiritually led by popes. Normans later claimed Byzantine lands with the pope’s permission in exchange for bringing Christianity into southern Italy and created the powerful state of Naples.
Agriculture in the Economy
There was an increase in agricultural production due to new lands being cultivated and the introduction of new crops, tools, and techniques. This spurred dramatic economic growth and new commercial relationships. This economic revival resembled the developments that strengthened China, India, and the Islamic world. As a result of new agricultural technology, food became higher quality, which called for higher demand and created a surplus. This abundant supply of food contributed to the economic and population growth.
Increased urbanization was a result of merchants and artisans developing new cities- which called for more job and labor opportunities. This caused a sharp rise in trade and manufacturing expansion, especially in the textile industry.
The Estate System
St Thomas and Catholic Schools
Due to the demand for people with a complex skill set the Development of education started with cathedral school founded by archbishops and bishops which greatly improved education rates. Following this, universities showed up in which people could gain an even higher education and could be bestowed with academic degrees. Universities were all throughout europe.
Later on, St. Thomas Aquinas and many others would acknowledge the works of aristotle. Thomas found a balance in between Aristotle's writings and christianity: Aristotle provided the most powerful analysis of the world according to human reason and Christianity explains the world and human life as the results of a divine plan.
Dominicans and Franciscans
St. Dominic and St. Francis founded the orders of mendicants. Mendicate were essentially beggars who begged for food and had no personal possessions. It also appealed to people to be free of sins and large groups of migrants who the church wouldn't be able to serve properly.