Jewish merchants in the Frankish and Ottonian Empire in the mirror of contemporary documents

What is it about?

This study analyzes the phrase “Jews and (other) merchants” as it appears in sources from the 9th to the early 11th centuries with an aim to clarify their historical meaning. By doing so, this study sheds light on how specific social differences between Jewish and non-Jewish merchants arose, while economic activities among both groups remained the same. Both Jews and non-Jews traded within the Frankish Empire and beyond and likewise took part in the lucrative as well as extensive slave trade.

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Why is it important?

The article questions the thesis of Michael Toch, that the Jewish merchants played no important role during the above mentioned period, especially in the slave trade, and comes to a contrary conclusion.