Final answer:
Medieval cities were generally smaller and less centrally organized than their ancient counterparts. They fostered a more fragmented political structure and saw significant architectural innovations like the development of Gothic cathedrals. The societal organization was characterized by feudalism and manorialism, and there was a marked increase in trade, technological advances, and intellectual life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medieval cities differed from ancient cities in several ways, primarily in terms of size, structure, and social organization. After the fall of the Roman Empire, once thriving cities like Rome saw a dramatic reduction in size and population, with Rome itself shrinking from hundreds of thousands of inhabitants to about 30,000 by the end of the 6th century. Temples were repurposed into churches and, while city walls were maintained, other public monuments were often dismantled for materials.
In contrast, the High Middle Ages saw a resurgence in urban life. The population in Europe increased, and technological and agricultural innovations allowed for enhanced trade and more advanced crop yields. Feudalism and manorialism structured society, and large-scale architectural advancements led to the construction of iconic Romanesque and Gothic buildings. A focus on intellectual life moved from isolated monasteries to bustling cities marked by the founding of universities, the development of guilds, and increasing literacy rates.
The medieval period also gave rise to a more fragmented political landscape, where power was often held by local lords and knights, rather than centralized under a singular empire like Rome. This fragmented structure held together by the feudal system was very different from the large-scale bureaucratic states that characterized much of the ancient world.