Travel and Trade in the Middle Ages

Transportation and trade in the Middle Ages were more developed and varied than is commonly thought. This book examines why medieval Europeans traveled—from making pilgrimages to engaging in international trade—and surveys in detail how they traveled, both by land and water. Travel and trade were inextricably linked to transportation, and over time an infrastructure of roads, bridges, and accommodations grew across Europe, enabling people and goods to move around the continent and beyond. Also explored are the hardships faced by medieval travelers, including storms at sea, avalanches in the Alps, the presence of pirates and robbers, and the fundamental problems of finding a meal and shelter.

A lecturer on medieval history, Paul B. Newman holds degrees from the University of Maryland and George Washington University. He lives in Maryland.

Paul B. Newman
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 249
Bibliographic Info: 20 photos, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4535-6
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vi

Introduction      1

I. Reasons for Travel      3

II. Traveling by Land      12

III. Traveling by Water      97

IV. Trade      189

V. Trade Goods and Their Sources      212

Bibliography      229

Index      233

• “Recommended”—Catholic Library World

• “Highly recommended”—ARBA