Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - Decline in trade - The collapse of the Western Roman Empire disrupted trade routes causing a steep decline in economic activity.
- Reduced agricultural production
- Frequent warfare and invasions made farming difficult leading to food shortages and famines
Political Instability
- Fragmented kingdoms- Europe split into multiple small Germanic kingdoms often at war with each other
- Weak central authority - Central governments struggled to control these warring kingdoms often leading to lawlessness and disorder
Social Structure
- Rise of feudalism - A decentralized political system emerged feudalism in which powerful landowners provided protection to weaker individuals in exchange for loyalty and labo r
- Serfdom - many peasants became tied to the land as serfs bound to work on local manors in exchange for basic sustenance
Cultural Changes
- Decline in learning - The disruption of educational institutions and support from a unified Roman state resulted in a decrease in literacy and learning and the loss of some classical knowledge
- Spread of Christianity - During the Dark Ages Christianity slowly converted most of Europe the church and monastic institution's preserved and transmitted classical writings during time, leading to increased religious influence within society
Art and Architecture
- Development of Romanesque Architecture: Romanesque Architecture style emerged using characteristics from Roman and Byzantine buildings with its round arches thick walls and sculptural decoration
Technological advances.
While much knowledge from the Roman era was lost some innovative developments occurred:
Windmills and watermills improved grinding flour
Three field crop rotation: allowed more efficient food production