Medieval Trade and Craftsmanship

📋 Course Outline

1. Medieval Troyes Commerce
2. Fairs and Markets
3. Trade Goods
4. European Merchants
5. Artisans and Workshops
6. Artisan Hierarchy
7. Workshop Roles
8. Artisan Guilds
9. Medieval Architecture

📖 1. Medieval Troyes Commerce

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Medieval Troyes as a commercial city: A city that developed a strong economy through frequent fairs, attracting merchants and traders from across Europe, and specializing in certain luxury goods.
• Importance of fairs in Troyes' economy: Fairs served as crucial centers for trade, facilitating the exchange of goods and acting as transit points for merchandise.
• Frequency of fairs (three times a year): Troyes hosted three major fairs annually, making it a regular hub for commercial activity.
• Types of luxury products sold in Troyes' fairs: Fabrics, spices, linens, skins, wine, fish, and art objects were among the luxury goods traded during these fairs.
• Fairs as centers of trade and transit for goods: Fairs were not only marketplaces but also key transit points where goods from various regions were exchanged and transported.
• Troyes' specialization in textiles, linens, skins, and art objects: The city was particularly known for its focus on these product categories, which were prominent in its fairs.

📝 Essential Points