Technology
Water Power
The waterwheel is one of humanity’s oldest and most significant inventions. As a scoop wheel, it was originally used for lifting water to irrigate farmland. Since Roman times, water power had been harnessed intensively. In the Middle Ages, water mills with weirs were first mentioned in the Lex Salica, the Salian law of the Franks. From the 12th century onwards, water power was widely used across Europe to drive machinery.
Road Construction
Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, Europe’s long-distance road network fell into decline. From the 11th century, however, efforts were made to rebuild it. The rise of trade spurred renewed interest in maintaining roads, especially on the part of towns and cities. Inter-city roads were now expected to be at least 4.5 to 5 metres wide—double their previous size. This led to increased road building and urban development.
