Middle Ages

The Middle Ages (which in adjectival form is known as medieval) refers to the period that extends for more than a millennium from the early centuries C.E. until the beginning of Renaissance humanism in the 15th century. The beginning of the Middle Ages is generally dated as 476 C.E. with the fall of the Roman Empire. Scholars have differing opinions about when it ended, but it is generally dated as occurring between the 14th and 15th centuries with the fall of Constantinople and the new spirit of skepticism that defined the Renaissance. The Middle Ages was a period of change and of exploration in its broadest sense and was not simply confined to Europe but also affected other geographical regions of the world, such as Africa and the Far East. It was also a period of social networking. In the Middle Ages, the phenomenon of social networks was highly complex and integral to the sociopolitical framework. These networks often involved social, political, and economic allegiances, such as feudalism and guilds. The development of social networks can be seen dualistically—in one respect, they strengthened the status quo by affirming the power of the rich. But they also, as in the case of the guilds, gave workers a collective identity and economic power, thus paving the way for the growth of these industries within townships, which advanced industrialization.

Social networks were important during the Middle Ages. People formed network allegiances across different lines, such as according to occupations, as in the guilds, for example. Social networking helped mobilize people and generate bigger networks. The advancement of trade and industry contributed to the growth of international networks through trading and mercantilism. In general, as the Middle Ages progressed, social networking became more developed and advanced.