late12th

Late 12th refers to the late 12th century, a period in the second millennium AD. During this time, significant cultural, social, and economic developments took place in Europe. The late 12th century spanned the years from approximately 1175 to 1199.

The transition from the early to late 12th century marked a shift in feudal society, with the rise of a more complex and hierarchical system. The Caucasus region and Asia Minor suffered from the intensification of the Crusades, which led to further instability and divisions. In Europe, this period saw the construction of iconic architectural structures, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Historians attribute the growth of towns and trade during this period to the expansion of agriculture and the rise of cities as centers of commerce and culture. However, concurrent to these developments, the decline of feudalism and the rise of nation-states also became more pronounced.

Key figures of this era include the likes of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Frederick I, the Holy Roman Emperor. These individuals navigated the treacherous landscape of politics, factionalism, and power struggles that defined their time. Moreover, works of art and literature, such as those by Gerald of Wales and the poet Chrétien de Troyes, give insight into the culture of the late 12th century.

The period offers a glimpse into an era shaped by global events, steeped in spirituality, and struggling to redefine power dynamics in the faltering structures of medieval society.