The German Ocean - Medieval Europe around the North Sea - Brian Ayers
The 14th Century: Increasing Wealth and Increasing Pressures
The German Ocean - Medieval Europe around the North Sea - Brian Ayers
Brian Ayers [+]
University of East Anglia
Brian Ayers is a Research Fellow at UEA. He was formerly Director of the Butrint Foundation working at the Butrint World Heritage site in Albania and prior to that, the county archaeologist for Norfolk, England. He has published widely in academic journals, archaeological monographs and conference proceedings and is the author of an archaeological history of Norwich.
Description
The marginal location of ports led to both failure and success. Trade is evidenced through artefacts, coinage, urban and landscape studies. The industrial production and trade of textiles is explored as well as non-textile trades and industries including perishable commodities such as fur. Increasing evidence is available for discussion of food production, distribution and diet. The impact of the Black Death is assessed before discussion of later 14th century trans-North Sea contacts and influences. The concept of ‘Hanseatic’ culture is considered as well as the economic impact of the church.