What contributed to the growth of towns during the Middle Ages?

There were many factors contributing to the growth of medieval towns.

One of these was improvements in agriculture that made it possible to have a larger population without increasing the number of farmers.

Another thing was the general improvement in government, which led to greater economic stability. The improvements ranged from better protection from raiding and invasion to a better established currency.

Improvements in trade were important. These, in turn, depended on improvements in transportation, such as better roads, better security on the roads, better ships, relationships established with Asian and African countries, and establishment of trade guilds.

Technology played an important part. Several inventions and discoveries contributed to the growth of towns. Among the improvements brought about in the Middle Ages were the inventions of the artesian well, fireplace and chimney, and a number of different kinds of cranes and mills. These all made it possible to improve the lifestyles of people living in compact quarters.

In time, towns and cities became important because of the schools or universities they had in them. Scholars tended to congregate, and this increased the importance of the places where they gathered. Similarly, some towns or cities had the reputation of being the best places to get medical care. Toledo was one such place.