Europe was (rightly or wrongly) considered the backwater of the civilized world for most of history. So how is it the Europeans built global empires and changed the world with industrialization?In this 25-minute episode, I’m going to run through the developments of the Middle Ages and the circumstances of life in Europe that gradually led to a new world order. Topics include:The impact of Ancient RomeThe Dark AgesThe CrusadesThe Black DeathTrade with the Islamic WorldThe early days of modern financeThe rebirth of learning and practical inventions