Gone Medieval: What are the High Middle Ages? History Hit Podcast Episode Released on June 6, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega delve deep into the High Middle Ages, exploring the transformative period from approximately 1000 to 1300 AD. They unpack the advancements, societal shifts, and pivotal events that defined this era, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why the High Middle Ages are often considered the pinnacle of medieval civilization.

1. Periodization and Definition

[03:10 – 05:02]

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega opens the discussion by explaining the concept of periodization—the method historians use to divide history into distinct eras for better understanding. She states, “we have taken a specific range of a thousand or so years and called it medieval” (03:10), emphasizing that the High Middle Ages are a subset within this broad timeframe.

Jonathan Fields adds, “the high medieval period, roughly about 1000-1300, encompasses the heavy hitters of the medieval period” (05:02). This period is marked by significant developments that set it apart from the Early and Late Middle Ages.

2. Agricultural Advancements

[05:02 – 10:01]

A cornerstone of the High Middle Ages was the revolution in agricultural technology. Jonathan Fields highlights the introduction of the "heavy plow" (06:00), contrasting it with the lighter plows of the Roman era. This innovation allowed Europeans to cultivate heavier soils in regions like northern Europe and the Low Countries, significantly increasing arable land.

Matt Lewis elaborates on the transition from a two-field to a three-field rotation system (08:37), stating, “the three-field system... makes a massive difference.” This rotation system enhanced soil fertility and crop yields, leading to food surpluses that supported population growth and economic stability.

3. Urbanization and Economic Growth

[10:01 – 17:55]

With improved agricultural productivity, surplus food became more reliable, allowing a significant portion of the population to transition from farming to other professions. Fields notes, “cities are back, baby” (14:16), as people moved into burgeoning towns and cities, fueling urbanization.

Matt connects this to the rise of specialized trades and the wool economy, particularly in England and the Low Countries. Eleanor adds, “the wool trade...paid for astonishing buildings...some of the things that we walk around towns and cities still today” (19:38). This economic boom facilitated the construction of grand cathedrals and the growth of merchant guilds, which played a crucial role in the social and economic fabric of medieval cities.

4. The Medieval Church and Papal Authority

[17:55 – 24:58]

The High Middle Ages saw the Catholic Church ascend as a dominant force across Europe. Fields explains, “the church as sort of the overarching legal juggernaut” (19:38), highlighting the Church’s influence over both spiritual and temporal matters.

This era was marked by the Investiture Controversy, a power struggle between the papacy and secular rulers over the appointment of bishops. Innocent III emerges as a pivotal figure, with Fields describing him as, “the Ur Pope” who established the Church’s legal authority (24:58). Matt discusses how Innocent III’s policies, such as making England a papal fiefdom, intensified conflicts with monarchs like Henry II, illustrating the growing tension between religious and secular powers.

5. Emergence of Universities

[30:09 – 35:52]

A significant intellectual development of the High Middle Ages was the rise of universities. Fields recounts the establishment of the University of Bologna, noting, “students unionize, and say they want better teaching” (33:07). This led to the creation of institutions like the University of Paris and Oxford, which became centers for legal, theological, and philosophical studies.

Matt emphasizes the shift from cathedral schools, which primarily trained clergy, to universities that educated individuals for both ecclesiastical and secular roles. This educational transformation facilitated social mobility and the spread of knowledge, laying the groundwork for future intellectual advancements.

6. Cultural Renaissance and Intellectual Movement

[35:52 – 38:22]

The High Middle Ages experienced a cultural and intellectual renaissance often referred to as the "12th Century Renaissance." Fields explains, “there is a resurgence in classical texts, new forms of literature like Arthuriana, and advancements in surgery” (37:35). This period saw the translation of Arabic and Greek works into Latin, enriching European scholarship and fostering innovations in various fields.

Matt connects this intellectual flourishing to the increased trade and interaction facilitated by networks like the Silk Roads and the Pax Mongolica, which enabled the exchange of ideas and technologies across continents.

7. Broader Global Context: The Mongols

[47:55 – 51:47]

Expanding beyond Europe, the hosts discuss the rise of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. Fields humorously describes the Mongols as facilitators of trade and peace despite their military prowess, noting, “the Mongols are one of the best to ever facilitate commerce” (50:20). The Pax Mongolica created a period of relative stability across Eurasia, enabling unprecedented levels of trade and cultural exchange.

Matt highlights the Mongols’ impact on Europe, including their attempts to engage with European leaders, which Fields describes as “hilarious moments” (50:22). This interaction underscores the interconnectedness of different regions during the High Middle Ages.

8. Comparative Perspective: Japan and China

[51:47 – 57:26]

The episode also touches on contemporaneous developments in Japan and China. Matt and Fields discuss Japan’s High Middle Ages as a time of artistic flourishing and the emergence of the samurai class. They note the creation of seminal works like The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, considered the world’s first novel, reflecting the rich cultural life of medieval Japan.

In contrast, Fields briefly examines China during the Song Dynasty, highlighting its political stability and cultural advancements. He mentions the integration of Buddhism into Chinese society and the continuation of the imperial system, which maintained continuity despite external pressures from the Mongols.

9. Notable Figures of the High Middle Ages

[57:26 – 61:54]

Several key personalities are spotlighted:

• Frederick II: Fields expresses admiration for Frederick II, depicting him as a complex ruler balancing secular and religious power (59:24).

• Roger Bacon: Matt praises Bacon for his visionary ideas, such as “foreseeing aeroplanes and cars” (59:43), illustrating the innovative spirit of the period.

• Murasaki Shikibu: Fields lauds her for The Tale of Genji, emphasizing her role in Japanese literary history (61:06).

These figures embody the intellectual and cultural dynamism of the High Middle Ages, showcasing the era’s contributions to governance, science, and literature.

10. Conclusion

[61:54 – 62:59]

The hosts conclude by celebrating the High Middle Ages as a period of remarkable progress and cultural richness. Matt likens it to the "80s" or "90s" of medieval times—an era perceived as prosperous and innovative (62:19). They express enthusiasm for future episodes that will explore the ensuing challenges of the Late Middle Ages, such as the Black Death and the Wars of the Roses, while maintaining a fondness for the vibrant developments of their current focus.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega wraps up by encouraging listeners to explore additional episodes for deeper insights into specific topics like the Investiture Controversy, the Pax Mongolica, and Crusade Camp.

Notable Quotes

• Jonathan Fields: “We have the most intriguing mysteries, the gobsmacking details and latest groundbreaking research” (02:18)

• Jonathan Fields: “this is the high medieval period, baby” (07:00)

• Matt Lewis: “Most Arthurian stuff is... always looks a lot like the high medieval period” (05:53)

• Jonathan Fields: “the Holy Roman Empire is a high medieval invention” (22:34)

• Matt Lewis: “Roger Bacon... foreseeing aeroplanes and cars” (59:43)

• Jonathan Fields: “The Mongols are one of the best to ever facilitate commerce” (50:20)

Conclusion

This episode of Gone Medieval offers a thorough exploration of the High Middle Ages, illuminating the era’s agricultural innovations, urban growth, religious transformations, educational advancements, and cultural renaissance. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega provide listeners with a vivid portrayal of a pivotal period that laid much of the groundwork for modern Europe and beyond.

For those eager to delve deeper, the hosts recommend exploring additional episodes that cover specific events and figures, enriching the listener's understanding of the complex tapestry that is medieval history.