Stories 1 – Chapter 5 – Centralised States (1000 to 1789)

The Middle Ages are divided into two parts: the Dark Ages (500 – 1000) and the Late Middle Ages (1000 – 1500). The absence of central government after the Roman Empire disappeared diminished trade and many cities were abandoned. After the year 1000, trade was taken up again and kings were able to make some money. An economy based on money once again strengthened the rule of kings and so centralised states could grow again. This chapter deals with the power struggle between the kings, the nobility, the citizens in the cities and the church.