7: Early Medieval Economy

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

Before 1000, 80-90% of population lived in hamlets or farms. From 1000, the population grew with this the economy grew

Question 2

4 measures of economic growth

Answer 2

1) Development of Strong, organised political administrations
2) Growth of Population
3) Expanse of volume of trade
4) Urbanisation

Question 3

1) strong organised political admin as measure of economic growth

Answer 3

a) Coins: Before 1200 only silver penny used (Denarius) Economic growth often reflected as devaluation of coinage (less silver used)
b) institutions: exchequer like the one made in England in 1100 earliest record of pipe roll under Henry I states £132,000 given to vikings.

Question 4

2) population growth as evidence of economic growth

Answer 4

a) After 400 A.D Estimated 1.5mil

by1086 2.3mil and growth sped up in following 2 centuries

Question 5

3) Expansion and volume of trade

Answer 5

a) During 12th century began trading with mediterrenean increasing metal and cloth trade
b) Important italian ports e.g. Pisa Venice which traded with middle east
c) Increased number of markets increased size of money supply

Question 6

4) Urbanisation

Answer 6

from 10th c: towns started to grow and mercantile population increased
Burhs created by King Alfred show this. (small fortifications to protect from Vikings).
- By 1086 more than 100 towns developed. Between 850 and 1086 town populations x4fold

Question 7

5: Expansion of Cultivation:

Answer 7

New clearings in woodland, and new hamlets founded

• Forrests cleared etc.
  e. g. Early medieval manors: many images from France in 12/13th C of Peasants working on their Lords land. Made settlement plans with surrounding fields for farming