The population of the average medieval city?

[333 Dave]

Anybody have figures for the average populations for medieval cities? How about large ones? What was the largest city during, say, the Crusades?

 

[Emiricol]

Try this excellent link to a superb analysis of medieval demographics. I forget who originally posted it (it was a long time ago) but it is great!

 

[CWD]

I find it odd that the author disses fantasy population demographics for not being realistic.

I mean, who knows what rampaging dragons would do to the spread of humanity?

 

[BiggusGeekus]

On the other hand, how much would a simple purify drink help people survive? Brackish or swampy water could be easily purified.

I also use mideval numbers as a basis for my fantasy populations because I simply don't like pulling numbers out of my bum and saying "its fantasy" when questioned about it. Personally, I think touches like that add to the versimilitude of a world and makes it easier for the players to suspend their disbelief.

Plus, I'm a big nerd.

 

[333 Dave]

Thanks. Très helpful

 

[333 Dave]

Plus, I'm a big nerd.

But.. but... I thought you were a big geek! Now all of a sudden your a big nerd? Planning on changing your SN to BiggusNerdus?

 

[grodog]

The original author was S. John Ross, and the current version of the article is on his web site at http://www.io.com/~sjohn/demog.htm.

Thought you might like to know, since he has similar articles throughout the rest of the site.

 

[Umbran]

The original author was S. John Ross, and the current version of the article is on his web site at http://www.io.com/~sjohn/demog.htm.

Actually, grodog, that link seems to be broken.

 

[MythandLore]

Actually, grodog, that link seems to be broken.

http://www.io.com/~sjohn/demog.htm
OH crap, I see what he did, he put a "." at the end.

http://scholar.chem.nyu.edu/~tekpages/urbanpop.html
This has a nice listing.

 

[Rahkan]

Bahh...

Thats just because the final period is included in the link. Just click here to go to the right link

http://www.io.com/~sjohn/demog.htm