Life in the Middle Ages: Society, Art, and Learning

The Prelude to Modernism

The history that establishes the origin and evolution of modern society has its basis in ancient times. Initially, the world featured various practices that today we might perceive as barbaric and outdated. However, it is essential to acknowledge that it is through the various ages of revolution that the world has arrived at what it enjoys today. The beginning of that revolution was the period of modernization, which commenced towards the end of the tenth century.

Living in that era of modernization, one would encounter a Roman Catholic Church facing increased danger to its authority. At that moment, the Church held overall authority and recognition over the world's dynasties. Thus, living in this era, I would be part of a congregation confronting threats from the great European nations that were hungry for power and sovereignty. In this era of feudalism, populations moved to the cities, establishing a nationalistic spirit and pride that helped them build nations. The popes continued their struggle to bring secular rulers under papal authority. In one notable instance, King John of England surrendered his kingdom to the pope; however, the kings who came after him rejected papal control and taxation. Later, in 1366 AD, the parliament invalidated that relinquishing of the kingdom, and papal authority lost control of England. Living in this era, I would be experiencing these turbulent times for the Roman Catholic Church.

The Rise of Great Nations and Trade

In the Renaissance era of modernization, people moved into central places of trade, establishing cities and towns. As they settled, they developed a sense of nationhood, gaining nationalistic pride and spirit. These nations emulated the rule and organization of the Eastern Roman Empire, with kingdoms and kings holding sovereign domains. Living in this time, I would be part of this mixture, witnessing the process of urban development and commercial establishment.

During this period of urbanization, itinerant merchants trekked from one trading center to another, from manor to manor, selling their merchandise. Traders exchanged goods for goods and other precious elements. During the winter seasons, however, travel would cease as traders settled near residential areas to trade with local people. It is through these wintertime settlements that towns developed and attracted specialization from various artisans, craftsmen, and merchants, ultimately growing into established cities. As towns continued to grow and trade expanded, voluntary associations of merchants developed and grew into large, organized trading bodies. This accelerated the growth of commerce and improved living standards across the society.

Powerful Families and Early Capitalism

These developments would give me the joy of witnessing the emergence of free-market capitalism and various new freedoms becoming a reality. I would witness the culmination of religious freedom, more trade alliances, and new industries — such as Flemish wool and Sicilian silk — taking shape. The professional banking industry would be another remarkable spectacle. With the establishment of trade organizations such as the Hanseatic League, which included eighty-five cities across Europe, banking became essential. The first notable banking institution of the time was the Medici bank, which was the largest and most influential in the fifteenth century and the years that followed.