Medieval Technology

Week 1: The Medieval Period

This week will serve as an introduction to the Medieval Period (approx. 600-1500CE). We will take a look at the fall of Rome and how that influenced society in Europe. This week will set the stage for the Medieval Period and bridge the gap between antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Week 2: The Medieval Period

This second week will be our final week of introduction into the period. This week will dive into the depths of the Middle Ages. We will look at important figures, like Pope Urban II and Charles Martel, and important groups, like the Scandinavians and the Saracens. The first week will act as an introduction into the period, and this second week will be a crash course in the history of the Middle Ages.

Week 3: Agricultural Evolutions

This week will be our first exploration into Medieval technologies. We will be looking at what inventions were created for the use in making agriculture easier. This includes the use of the revolutionary heavy plough, the three-field rotation system, using horses for power, and more. Agriculture meant the difference between living and dying in the Middle Ages, and we will start here, as many other technologies emerge from the more efficient agriculture.

Week 4: Sources of Non-human Power

We will be focusing on some of the mechanical objects that Medieval Europe was producing to aid them in daily life this week. We will take a look at some of the sources of power: gravity, water, wind, etc. Then we will be looking at some of the applications. Grain was ground and time was kept with these new sources of mechanical power. We will even be looking at what some historians claim to be the most important invention in mechanics since the wheel!

Week 5: Islamic Advances in Science and Technology

During the Middle Ages in Europe, the Islamic culture was seeing advances in mathematics and sciences that was hailed as the “Golden Age of Islam.” This fledgling faith was able to spread its influence and adopt Greek ideals in a way that is reflective of the Italian Renaissance. A variety of technologies and ideas will be examined from observatories and astronomy to algebra and philosophy. The Islamic contribution to science and technology often gets overlooked, and this week looks to change that.

Week 6: Arms and Armor

Arms and armor may be some of the most exciting technology of the Middle Ages. The longsword, the plate armor of the valiant knights, the difficult to master longbow of the English, they will all be discussed in this section along with plenty more.

Week 7: Artillery and Siege Weapons

This week will discuss the advances and importance of artillery and siege weapons. With higher and higher walls being built, invading armies needed to find news ways to get around (or under) their defenses. Catapults, trebuchets, cannons, and siege towers will all be on display this week.

Week 8: Fortifications and Architecture

The architecture of the Middle Ages is one of the most striking things from the era that can be seen today. The intense Gothic cathedrals and the solidly built castles of Europe will be the focus of this week.