at was a basis for most medieval food. Hence, the windmill and water mill of the Middle Ages were very important industrial advancements. (Caselli 16)
             Medieval Industrial Technology has also been characterized by many agricultural improvements. Medieval farmers used the heavy plow to loosen soil for seed planting. It originated in Asia Minor, but was later used in Northern Europe. These plows were normally mounted on two wheels, and pulled by several horses or oxen. The heavy plow was also used to rid uncultivated land of weeds and other vegetation. Even though it did not destroy most plant root systems, it did expose them to the air, which inhibited their growth. The "ditches" created by the plow also slowed erosion caused by heavy rains. (Gans)
             Before the heavy plow, most medieval farmers used a "lighter" plow. Unlike the heavy plow, horses and oxen did not pull the light plow. This was a major difference in the effectiveness of the light plow. The horse collar or horse harness was only used with the heavy plow. The collar puts the workload on the horse's shoulders instead of the back or neck, such as in earlier models. The horse collar allowed horses to use more power without straining their necks or backs. Medieval Farming benefited immensely from these two important, agricultural inventions. ("Invention" 359)
             Medieval Construction and building also benefited from the invention of the horse collar. The collar could also be used for hauling rocks, wood, or other building materials. It has been estimated that the collar could help the horse or oxen to pull up to one ton of rocks.
             The wheelbarrow was also developed in the Middle Ages for moving and hauling building materials. The medieval wheelbarrow was fashioned after the commonly used stretchers of the time. The disease and death of the Middle Ages promoted the invention of the wheelbarrow as an easier way to transport corpses. These wheelbarrows ...