On Urban Economy in Medieval Moldavia (the End of the 14th Century – the Former Half of the 16th Century)
On Urban Economy in Medieval Moldavia (the End of the 14th Century – the Former Half of the 16th Century)

Summary/Abstract: The present study addresses the issue of Moldavian urban economy in the period stretched between the end of the 14th century and the former half of the 16th century. It appears, according to the accurate sources that we have at hand, that trade was the main gain resource for the citizens. In Moldavia, the main direction in the external trade was developed along the so-called Moldavian route. This route, which crossed the Moldavian principality, started from the Black Sea and headed towards the Polish Kingdom. The second important trade route linked Kilia and Braşov, crossing the Southern region of the Moldavian Principality. The present study focuses on trade relations developed between the Moldavian Principality and its main partners (Lviv, Braşov, Bistriţa, Sibiu, Genova) and on how these partners have influenced the urban economy of Medieval Moldavia. Following the privilege bestowed by Alexandru the Good in 1408 on the Lviv traders, they have begun the most active merchants in the Moldavian framework, bringing there different types of clothes and metal works. The second in importance were the merchants from Braşov, who have been endowed with a preferential tax regime by the aforementioned Alexandru the Good. Cloth, cattle and oriental products represented the core of their trade. Finally, it has been assumed that the Genovese from Caffa and Cetatea Albă have been also endowed with a trade privilege, underpinning their relations with the Moldavian Principality.

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