The Early Middle Ages, also known as the “Dark Ages,” was a period from the 5th to 10th centuries. This era had little economic growth, few large metropolitan areas, and minimal great literature and arts. However, in the High Middle Ages, which roughly spanned from the 11th to the 14th centuries, all of that changed. One of the key factors for this economic and cultural boom was the lifting of restrictions on internal trade (trade inside of Europe), as well as external trade (trade between different countries and continents). 

Another area of society benefiting greatly from this fiscal growth was architecture, mainly the building of cathedrals. There were two main common of architecture used in the construction of cathedrals: Romanesque and Gothic. Gothic cathedrals flourished in the 1200s, but were preceded by the Romanesque style. While Gothic architecture is easily identifiable, Romanesque architecture varies widely, taking inspiration from Rome, Byzantium, and even Islam. Gothic cathedrals also have theologically significant features, such as the interior building shaped like a cross and how the altar always faces east. Because of innovations in the High Middle Ages, Gothic cathedrals didn’t have to include extremely thick walls as did Romanesque ones. Instead, they had support beams in the ceiling, leading to many more windows and the invention of stained glass. Notre Dame in Paris is a prime example of a Gothic cathedral from the High Middle Ages. These profoundly beautiful and prominent spiritual edifices are considered by many to be one of the greatest achievements of Western Civilization.

Due to the expansion of the commercial class, merchants, and non-feudal workers, there was a large rise in towns and cities in the 11th century. Towns in the Early Middle Ages were usually established behind fortifications to protect from Viking invasions. Numerous peasants and feudal workers would seek protection behind these walls, attracting merchants to settle in a populated place to sell their goods more efficiently. Then, cathedrals, monasteries, and cathedral schools were built, which led to more people settling. Towns were also a haven for serfs and peasants when a law was decreed that stated if a serf lived in a town undetected by his lord for at least a year, he was free from his feudal obligations. Some of the liberties towns and cities enjoyed included: people choosing their own officials, representative assemblies, remnants of barbarian law and feudal law giving way to a more rational judicial system, and much less regulation of economic activity. The rise of towns and cities is one of the prime reasons for the ending of the feudal system in Western Europe.