International Trade in the Middle Ages

Hilary Green's book "The World of Medieval Trade" explores the complex trade of the Middle Ages, tracing the journey of wool from England to Flanders, Bordeaux, and Champagne, and the development of trade routes and banking. It also highlights the smuggling of silkworms and precious gems, and the import of exotic spices and aromatics from Arab and Indian merchants. As trade became more valuable, international relations became more sophisticated.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Hilary Green embarks on a captivating journey through the intricate evolution of trade during the Middle Ages, serving as the cornerstone of our contemporary global marketplace. She begins her exploration by delving into the production of wool in the abbeys of northern England, tracing its path to Flanders, where it underwent diverse textile transformations within the bustling international marketplace of Bruges. The expedition continues to Bordeaux, where the wool exchanged hands for wine, which in turn found its way back to London, where some of it was bartered for additional wool. Green vividly describes the vibrant trade fairs of the Champagne region of France, where a wide array of goods, including wool, leather, salt, iron, and various commodities, were exchanged. She elucidates the origins and development of banking in this region, shedding light on the intricate web of trade routes established by the merchants of Genoa. These routes traversed land, crossing the majestic Alps, as well as waterways, encompassing rivers and the Mediterranean. Through these pathways, silk and spices originated from the repositories in Alexandria, initially via camel trains from Arabia. Moreover, the author delves into the enigmatic and intriguing aspects of trade, uncovering the smuggling of silkworms into Constantinople and the transportation of precious gems and ivory from undisclosed locations. Arab and Indian merchants played a pivotal role in bringing exotic spices such as cumin, ginger, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon to Egypt via the Red Sea. As trade flourished and gained immense value, international relations underwent a remarkable transformation, with governments proactively safeguarding the substantial income it generated.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 168 x 245 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445698403