The Medieval Warm Period: A Better Life for Women and Children

When one reads about 11^th century Europe, the focus often turns to key events such as the Norman invasion of England in 1066, the beginning of the crusades (1096), or the rise of cathedral schools, to name only a few. Often lost is recognition of global warming advancing the standard of living of tens of millions of people.

There are European historians who recognize the 900 to 1300 years as the Medieval Warm Period. Dendrochronology (tree ring records), marine reports, glacier records, and written accounts of life provide evidence of amazing climate change. Historian H.H. Lamb argues that the warmer climate contributed to “the first great awakening of European civilization.” Scholar Steven LeBlanc writes that “[r]esource abundance helped launch the constructions of Gothic cathedrals, the colonization of Iceland (ca. 874) and Greenland (ca. 985) as well as the Shetland and Faeroe Islands, and briefly, Vinland (North America) by the Scandinavian Vikings.” European historian Christopher Dyer claims that the improved climate of the 11^th century brought great economic expansion to Europe.

The population of Europe in the 9^th century was approximately 30,000,000 and about 80,000,000 by 1300. This period in history witnessed the expansion of arable land, new crops, and improved tools, all contributing to the rise of the agricultural economy. Better crops and foods contributed to the rise of towns and cities and a stronger economy of industry and trade.

People at all levels benefited from the warmer temperatures – less energy lost while keeping warm during daily activities and at night when warm and comfortable bedding was usually inadequate. But women and children gained the most. Women and children had harder lives before the Industrial Revolution ushered in machines that led to a higher standard of living and more recreational time. Before machines arrived physically stronger people (males) had an advantage. People had to pull, push, crank, and carry a lot of weight throughout their lives. Technological advance allowed things to get done easier, especially for those who were weaker. The Medieval Warm Period did not witness the huge technological jump that happened in the 19^th century, but there were important advances.

Sociologist Rodney Stark argues that capitalism progressed when “monks replaced their subsistence economies and became highly productive, specialized participants in rapidly expanding trading networks.” The universal adoption of a well-padded horse collar that placed weight from the neck to the shoulder allowed horses to out plow oxen. There were also developments and improvements of various tools, water-powered machines, and chimneys and fireplaces. Europeans welcomed better tools and improved performance as they adjusted to a longer growing season.

Climate change and greater agricultural and economic productivity gave women and children a boost in life. Certainly, the healthy population growth of this warmer era reveals much about the improved conditions for all women and children.