While cities grew and wealth was amassed by the few, the common person labored to put food on the table and to escape the ravages of war and disease. After the Black Death of 1348, populations across Europe rebounded and farming expanded in order to keep up with city growth. The Renaissance saw the emergence of distinct social classes including the wealthy, the middle class, and the country peasant. Life for the working class remained challenging as prices increased and wages decreased. On-going wars throughout Europe added to the complexity of everyday life.