12th century history

The 12th century (1100-1200) was a transformative period in Europe marked by growth in trade, the rise of towns, and the foundation of universities. It saw the expansion of the Catholic Church's influence and the Crusades, which were military campaigns aimed at reclaiming holy sites in the Middle East. This era also witnessed a flourishing of art, literature, and philosophy, as well as the emergence of Gothic architecture. In contrast, the Byzantine Empire was in decline, and regions like the Middle East experienced turmoil and change. Overall, the 12th century laid important foundations for the next phases of European history.