Trading Centers in the Carolingian Empire "Dorestad, Quentovic, and Frisia as a Model"

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University

Abstract

The Carolingian Empire expanded across vast territories through the strenuous efforts of Charlemagne (742-814 AD) to uphold his burgeoning realm and foster economic prosperity. This empire witnessed pivotal commercial activity that played a vital role in its economic and social evolution. With abundant rivers and waterways, riverine trade traversed its lands effortlessly, while its multiple coastlines opened gateways to external commerce. The Carolingian Empire boasted several pivotal commercial hubs crucial to international trade, driving the empire's economic advancement. Among these centers was the city of Dorestad, a vital nexus connecting trade from Northwestern Europe to Eastern Europe and Byzantium via maritime and river routes. Additionally, Quentovic distinguished itself as a minting center for Carolingian currency for a time, alongside the Frisia region, which served as a significant trading hub due to its coastal location and control over the Rhine River. Since the early 8th century, Frisia linked the core of the Frankish realm with the Nordic countries and the North Sea, serving as a primary operational base for Frisian and Frankish traders.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics