HST 197 Lecture 42: Economy and Society in Early Medieval Europe
Document Summary
Byzantium was an economic powerhouse in the eastern mediterranean region. The countryside produced abundant agricultural surpluses, which supported the large urban populations and fueled the work of manufacturers. Western christendom experienced a decline of agricultural production and a weakening of cities as repeated invasions disrupted economic and social as well as political affairs. 10th century, a measure of political stability served as a foundation for economic. Western european peoples began to participate more actively in larger trading world of recovery the eastern hemispheres. Byzantium was strongest when its large class of free peasants flourished. After adoption of the theme system, soldiers received allotments of land when they mustered out of the army. The arrangement supported a large and prosperous class of free peasants, who cultivated their land intensively in hopes of improving their family"s" fortunes. Free peasantry entered an era of gradual decline after the 11th century as wealthy cultivators managed to accumulate large estates.
