Technological developments
Soap had been invented and was being
produced on a large scale by the end of the 12th century.
The geared wheel, water mill and wind
mill are invented/perfected.
Forests become depleted, coal mining is
begun.
Bridges begin to be constructed of
stone.
The spinning wheel is developed as is
also the compass.
Spectacles, the alarm clock and writing
paper are developed and begin becoming popular.
Gunpowder is introduced in Europe and
is first used at the battle of Crecy, 1346.
Towns begin building Gothic cathedrals.
Mystery and morality plays are common,
which eventually lead to modern day theater and movies.
Ministrals and troubadors are popular,
which eventually become modern ‘pop’ singers.
Hospitals are instituted in Europe, the
first at Rome. Bethlehem Hospital in London eventually becomes an asylum for the mentally
ill, giving to the English language the corruption of its name - “bedlam.”
Guilds are common, providing for the
welfare of workers in different fields - they become the labor unions of today.
School in the 13th century - the
cheapest book available cost $200, the yearly salary of a teacher. The entire Bible cost $10,000 and
took one year for a skilled copyist to complete. Cluny, which had the best monastery library
in Europe had a grand total of 570 books. The school term lasted for 11 months,
with only a few days off at Easter and Christmas.
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