Medieval Cities: Their Origins and the Revival of Trade - Updated Edition (Princeton Classics Book 8)

Nearly a century after it was first published in 1925, __Medieval Cities__ remains one of the most provocative works of medieval history ever written. Here, Henri Pirenne argues that it was not the invasion of the Germanic tribes that destroyed the civilization of antiquity, but rather the closing of Mediterranean trade by Arab conquest in the seventh century. The consequent interruption of long-distance commerce accelerated the decline of the ancient cities of Europe. Pirenne challenges conventional wisdom by attributing the origins of medieval cities to the revival of trade, tracing their growth from the tenth century to the twelfth. He also describes the important role the middle class played in the development of the modern economic system and modern culture. Featuring a new introduction by Michael McCormick, this Princeton Classics edition of __Medieval Cities__ is essential reading for all students of medieval European history. Nearly A Century After It Was First Published In 1925, Medieval Cities Remains One Of The Most Provocative Works Of Medieval History Ever Written. This Book Argues That It Was Not The Invasion Of The Germanic Tribes That Destroyed The Civilization Of Antiquity, But Rather The Closing Of Mediterranean Trade By Arab Conquest In The Seventh Century. Machine Generated Contents Note: Ch. I Mediterranean -- Ch. Ii Ninth Century -- Ch. Iii City Origins -- Ch. Iv Revival Of Commerce -- Ch. V Merchant Class -- Ch. Vi Middle Class -- Ch. Vii Municipal Institutions -- Ch. Viii Cities And European Civilization. Henri Pirenne ; Translated From The French By Frank D. Halsey ; With A New Introduction By Michael Mccormick. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Cover 1 Title 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 CONTENTS 8 Introduction 10 Translator’s Foreword 34 Preface 36 Chapter I. The Mediterranean 40 Chapter II. The Ninth Century 55 Chapter III. City Origins 74 Chapter IV. The Revival of Commerce 88 Chapter V. The Merchant Class 107 Chapter VI. The Middle Class 123 Chapter VII. Municipal Institutions 148 Chapter VIII. Cities and European Civilization 177 Bibliography 192 Index 196 Content: Cover Title Copyright Dedication CONTENTS Introduction Translator's Foreword Preface Chapter I. The Mediterranean Chapter II. The Ninth Century Chapter III. City Origins Chapter IV. The Revival of Commerce Chapter V. The Merchant Class Chapter VI. The Middle Class Chapter VII. Municipal Institutions Chapter VIII. Cities and European Civilization Bibliography Index.