Medieval Trade and Commerce

The agricultural surplus enabled the growth of commercio nel medioevo, centered around two main regions:

• Mediterranean trade featuring Oriental luxury goods
• Northern European commerce through the Hanseatic League

Vocabulary: Fiere (fairs) were major annual or bi-annual markets where merchants gathered to trade goods.

Highlight: The Champagne fairs became the heart of European economy.

Transportation methods included:

• Land routes (slow and dangerous due to bandits)
• Sea routes (preferred despite risks of piracy)

Maritime innovations included:

• Compass
• Rudder
• First nautical charts

The Merchant Class and Economic Changes

The evolution of il mercante nel medioevo marked significant social and economic changes.

Definition: Commenda system - merchants collected funds from investors for trading expeditions, sharing profits upon return.

Highlight: The Church initially condemned usury but gradually accepted commerce as a legitimate service.

Key developments:

• Introduction of Arabic numerals and the abacus
• Development of double-entry bookkeeping
• Establishment of mechanical clocks in city towers
• Creation of banking families and companies

Quote: "Money was considered a weapon of the devil and trade induced sin" - showing the initial religious perspective that later evolved.

Agricultural Revolution and Population Growth

The revival began with favorable climate conditions and cessation of invasions, leading to extensive land clearing and agricultural development.

Highlight: Population doubled from 40 to 80 million between the 10th and 13th centuries.

Example: Feudal lords and monasteries organized land reclamation by offering tax exemptions to attract farmers.

New farming innovations transformed agriculture:

• Introduction of rigid horse collars for improved animal performance
• Heavy plows for better soil cultivation
• Water and wind mills for efficient grain processing

Definition: The rotazione biennale (two-field system) divided land into two parts - one cultivated, one fallow. This evolved into the more efficient rotazione triennale (three-field system).