Medieval Urban Life and the Rise of European Cities

The Composition of Medieval Jobs

Each trade was divided into three categories:

• Master: He was the owner of the workshop, tools, and raw materials.
• Journeyman: He was the skilled worker.
• Apprentice: This was a young person who wanted to learn the trade.

Journeymen could become masters; to do so, they had to produce a masterpiece.

The Strengthening of European Monarchies

Monarchs granted letters of freedom and privileges to cities, which allowed them to remain free from any feudal dependency.

Confrontations Between European Kingdoms

The claim of the English king to inherit the French throne gave origin to the Hundred Years War between England and France. In this war, the struggle of the French peasant Joan of Arc was highlighted.

The Gothic Era and the Birth of Universities

This period saw the birth of universities. Schools that depended on the bishop were called cathedral or chapter schools. Schools created by municipalities were known as municipal schools, while universities themselves evolved from cathedral schools.

The Resurgence of Cities and Maritime Trade

Two large sea routes emerged:

• The Mediterranean: This route linked Italian and Spanish cities with Muslim ports and the Byzantine Empire. They imported perfumes, silk, porcelain, and spices.
• The Baltic and Atlantic Route: This was dominated by an association of traveling merchants.

Since many trips were too expensive, merchants started financing themselves through agreements. To prevent thefts, they established bills of exchange.

Causes for the Rebirth of Cities

• New agricultural techniques: Fewer peasants were needed on the land, forcing many to emigrate to cities in search of work.
• Reactivated trade: Many merchants settled in towns where markets were established.
• Local Government: Each city had its own government, which was headed by a mayor (alcalde).
• Search for Freedom: Many peasants migrated to cities to escape bondage and seek greater freedom.

The Social Structure of Medieval Cities

• Some inhabitants, called the Bourgeoisie, were very wealthy.
• The majority of the population consisted of modest artisans and shopkeepers, as well as people dedicated to domestic service in the homes of the wealthy.
• Beneath them were the poor and marginalized.

The Pinnacle of Medieval Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship was very diverse, including weavers, coopers (toneleiros), and bakers (panadeiras). The craftsmen worked on their products by hand with few tools. They worked in small offices located in the house of the owner.

The Role of Guilds and Associations

• Artisans of the same trade associated themselves by forming guilds.
• They were occupied with providing assistance to members of the craft and their families.
• Guilds managed to dominate the entire craft production that developed within the cities.