What is the Difference Between High Middle Ages and Early Middle Ages?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The High Middle Ages (1000-1300) and the Early Middle Ages (also known as the Dark Ages) are two distinct periods in European history, with several key differences.
Early Middle Ages
- The Early Middle Ages began with the invasion of the Roman Empire by Germanic people, leading to the collapse of the empire and the emergence of various Germanic kingdoms.
- This period saw significant cultural and political changes, such as the settlement of Visigoths in Spain, North Africa being captured by Vandals, Italy being ruled by Ostrogoths, and Franks settling in France.
- The society was less advanced, with most discoveries being made in the High Middle Ages.
- Systems of governance changed decisively, with the emergence of towns replacing the decline of the Roman Empire.
High Middle Ages
- The High Middle Ages were marked by self-discovery and definition, as Western people began to assert their identity and impose themselves on others.
- The period experienced a revival of trade and towns in the 11th century, providing new resources for civilization.
- A new sense of regional loyalty and lay administrative competence appeared, with secular values beginning to displace those of the clergy.
- The High Middle Ages saw a cultural renaissance in the 12th and 13th centuries, marked by the rise of universities and intellectual, spiritual, and artistic works.
- The period also experienced major population increases, leading to great social and political changes.
In summary, the Early Middle Ages were characterized by the decline of the Roman Empire and the emergence of various Germanic kingdoms, while the High Middle Ages were marked by a cultural renaissance, population growth, and changes in governance and society.
Comparative Table: High Middle Ages vs Early Middle Ages
| High Middle Ages | Early Middle Ages |
|---|---|
| Period of relative stability and growth | Period of migration and instability |
| Developments in agriculture, leading to a balanced diet for all social classes | Limited agricultural developments and food scarcity |
| Population expansion, which eventually led to the breakup of feudal structures | Rapid population decline due to disease, famine, and war |
| Emergence of towns, trade, and merchant classes | Very few urban centers, with most people living in rural areas |
| Classic formulations of Gothic architecture and sculpture achieved in the 13th century | Simplified and less ornate art and architecture |
| Increased importance of religion and its influence on culture | Less emphasis on religion and its impact on society |
The High Middle Ages (11th to 13th centuries) were marked by relative stability, growth, and developments in various aspects of society, such as agriculture, trade, and architecture. On the other hand, the Early Middle Ages (5th to 10th centuries) were characterized by migration, instability, and a lack of advancements in these areas. The Early Middle Ages saw the invasion of the Roman Empire by Germanic tribes, leading to the formation of several European kingdoms, such as the Visigoths in Spain, the Vandals in North Africa, the Ostrogoths in Italy, and the Franks in France. In contrast, the High Middle Ages witnessed the consolidation of these kingdoms and the emergence of towns, trade, and merchant classes.
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