-
Emperor Constantine set up Constantinople as the capital of the eastern side of the Roman Empire. It eventually becomes the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This city flourished economically. This is continuity, because it preserved part of the original Roman Empire.
-
Despite some economic continuity in the Byzantine Empire and Medieval Western Europe, events such as the Crusades, introduction of banking, and invasions of the Byzantine Empire show that there was more change in Europe's economy.
-
Justinian becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire during this year. He does several influential things, including attempts to regain the old Roman Empire. The wars that resulted, in addition to defending the empire from invaders, created government tax pressures. This is change, because the pressures were not present before.
-
Manorialism became a common economic system in Western Europe around the eight century. It is a economical system between landlords and peasant laborers, called serfs. Serfs did agricultural work, and received protection for it. This is change because a new economic system was formed.
-
The three-field system began in the 7th century. With the system, one-third of a peasant's land was left unplanted every year to help the land restore nutrients. Before it was introduced, half of the land was unplanted, and this limited productivity. The system is an example of change, because it helped improve productivity and the economy.
-
Increasing population was significant during the 10th through 13th centuries. More new markets were created, and trade expanded. In some areas, urban population was nearly 20%. This is change, because the economy improved and became more innovative.
-
The Duke of Normandy had strong feudalism in a province of France, and invaded England. This introduced feudal monarchy to England. This is continuity, because the economic system was extended.
-
During the First Crusade, armies from the West conquered Jerusalem. Many people wanted to do this for riches from Arab lands. They had Jerusalem for nearly a century. This is change because they had more land and wealth.
-
Banking was created to help in long-distance trade and exchange of money. It was originally used mainly in Italy. The largest operations were capitalist. This was change because it was a new concept, and increased the use of money.
-
Around the 14th century, there were signs of decline in Europe. Current agriculture could not keep up with population growth, and there was no more available unused land. The Hundred Years War, which was between France and England, showed weakness. This is change, because the economy in Western Europe was becoming worse.
-
Turkish settlements had been moving closer to Constantinople. In 1453, The city falls. The rest of the empire is later conquered. Change, because the empire had fallen, along with its economy.