Up until the mid-14th century, Europe had experienced steadily increasing urbanisation. Cities were also decimated by the Black Death, but the role of urban areas as centres of learning, commerce and government ensured continued growth. By 1500, Venice, Milan, Naples, Paris and Constantinople each probably had more than 100,000 inhabitants. Twenty-two other cities were larger than 40,000; most of these were in Italy and the Iberian peninsula, but there were also some in France, the Empire, the Low Countries, plus London in England. COUNT 4
QSN1 Which European cities likely had populations greater than 100,000 in 1500? ANS1 Venice, Milan, Naples, Paris and Constantinople QSN2 What event decimated urban populations in the 14th century? ANS2 the Black Death QSN3 How many other cities had populations larger than 40,000 by 1500? ANS3 Twenty-two QSN4 Which English city had a population greater than 40,000 in 1500? ANS4 London