1. Europe in the 15th century Investigate • Find out about the Forbidden City. When and why was it built? Do you think it is a good example of the splendour of the Ming era? • Think. China produced silk and porcelain in large quantities. Why do you think it kept the manufacturing processes of these products a secret? The Ming Dynasty In the first half of the 15th centur y, China experienced a period of splendour during the Ming dynasty, in which the emperor had all the power. The population grew and agriculture and trade developed . China took to the sea . In the first third of the centur y, China organised several voyages that reached the coasts of East Africa . This demonstrated their technical capabilities, as well as their interest in trade and commercial and diplomatic relations with other territories. However, eventually, China withdrew. This coincided with the arrival of the Portuguese in the East. 2. Chinese porcelain made in the 15th century 1. Venice in the 15th century E X P L O R E WORK WITH THE IMAGE Look at the painting. Describe Venice in the 15th century. Do you think it was a wealthy city? Give reasons for your answer. In the 15th centur y, Europe was poor compared to other civilisations such as India or China . The European continent was slowly recovering from the severe crisis of the mid-14th centur y. Population The population grew slowly and unevenly due to: High birth and death rates. The infant mortality rate was also high . A low life expectancy (approximately 35 years). This was due to frequent famines caused by poor har vests, wars, and epidemics of diseases such as the plague and typhoid . Despite this, the population increased due to the growth of cities and the cultivation of new land . Society Society was divided into three estates: Two privileged estates: the nobility and the clergy. A non-privileged estate: the commoners, made up of merchants, small rural landowners, day labourers, craftspeople and beggars. There were also slaves, who had no rights. Economy Agriculture (cereals, vines, olives, f lax, hemp, etc.) and livestock farming (sheep, cattle, pigs, etc.) were the main economic activities. Guilds controlled crafts and most trade was carried out in local markets. Only luxury goods, such as porcelain (2) and silk, were traded over long distances.
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