High Middle Ages

  The period from 1050 to 1300 of European history has been called the “High Middle Ages” or the “Central Middle Ages”. These terms designates this time period as a period of growth and achievement between two eras of economic, political, and social crisis. 

Stability and Safety

           The eleventh century marked a time of political stability and new political revival in Europe. Rulers in France, England, and Germany worked to reduce warfare and reduce civil beliefs in anarchy. This new emphasis gradually took effect with less domestic disorder and thus creating foundation for economic recovery and population increase.  

            With a more secure political scene, foreign invasions died down and internal civil disorder was limited. A steady growth of population also contributed Europe’s general recovery. Most conflicts ended out to be petty skirmishes with restricted loss of life. In addition to limited violence, no biological factors were present to hinder population growth. Europe was not hit by any major plague or medical scourge between the tenth and fourteenth centuries.  

            The only major danger was crop failure and starvation. However, the weather cooperated with revival. It is believed a steady retreat of polar ice occurred between the ninth and eleventh centuries. This significant warming continued until about 1200. Winters were mild and summers were warm, causing increase agricultural outcomes. This thus improved Europeans’ health, commerce, industry, and general lifestyle. A better diet caused women to have more fat, thus increasing chances for fertility and also allowed women to be less anemic and less prone to diseases. In fact, it is believed that women started to outlive men in the High Middle Ages.

            The eleventh century also saw the beginnings of great religious revival. New religious orders were founded and became a broad spiritual movement. The papacy, after a century of corruption and deceit, began to clean up. Popes worked to codify church law and promoted loyalty of all members to the clergy. The new revival of the church was marked by the various building and magnificent cathedrals and buildings built in the 12^th and 13^th centuries.