Final answer:
The population of Europe experienced significant growth between 1000 and 1300 AD due to advances in agricultural techniques and rural-to-urban migration, although this growth was later challenged by resource limits, climate change, and infectious diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The population of Europe nearly doubled between 1000 and 1300 AD primarily due to new farming methods that increased the supply of grain, helping to feed a growing population. This period saw an adaptation of agricultural innovations such as the three-field system, heavy ploughs, and the widespread use of horse collar. These innovations improved the efficiency of farming and led to surplus production, supporting larger populations.
Migration from rural areas to urban centers also contributed to population growth in Europe. However, this growth faced limits as resources became strained and the climate cooled, leading to famine and economic contraction by the end of the thirteenth century.
Additionally, certain periods such as the fourteenth century saw devastating setbacks like the plague, which drastically reduced the population but ultimately led to better living conditions for survivors due to reduced competition for resources.