The Carolingian Renaissance stimulated scientific and philosophical activity in Northern Europe. That trend faltered during the Late Middle Ages because of a series of calamities, most notably the Black Death, but also numerous wars as well as economic stagnation.įrom around 780, Europe saw the last of the barbarian invasions and became more socially and politically organized. By 1250, the robust population increase had greatly benefited the European economy, which reached levels that would not be seen again in some areas until the 19th century.
Key historical trends of the High Middle Ages include the rapidly increasing population of Europe, which brought about great social and political change from the preceding era, and the Renaissance of the 12th century, including the first developments of rural exodus and of urbanization. The High Middle Ages were preceded by the Early Middle Ages and were followed by the Late Middle Ages, which ended around AD 1500 (by historiographical convention). The High Middle Ages, or High Medieval Period, was the period of European history that lasted from around AD 1000 to 1250.
