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What were merchant fairs like?
Merchant fairs were large and sold goods from all over Europe and the east. They attracted merchants from many countries.
What were fairs like in the Middle Ages?
A Medieval fair was a huge open air gathering held each year, mostly on a holiday or on a religious anniversary. It was the greatest event in the economic life of a medieval town. During this time merchants from all over Europe gathered in the town to buy or sell products.
What did merchants do in medieval times?
Medieval Merchant – Definition and Description A Medieval merchant would often travel and traffic with foreign countries; a trafficker; a trader. A Medieval merchant would source his supplies and sell them to various customers via shops, markets or Medieval fairs.
What did the merchants sell?
Medieval merchants sold everyday items, such as food, razors, cleaning products, spindles, whetstones, clothing and other household goods. They also traded in luxury products, such as silk, leather, perfumes, jewels and glass. Medieval merchants sourced their supplies and sold to customers in shops and markets.
How long did medieval festivals last?
Decorations involving green plants were usually meant as a prayer to seek a good harvest the next year. It was a tradition in medieval Europe to do every activity twelve times during this period, reflecting the twelve days of Christmas celebrations.
When did medieval fairs begin?
Many charter fairs date back to the Middle Ages, with their heyday occurring during the 13th century.
How often were fairs in the Middle Ages?
Fairs, held once or twice a year usually on the feast of one saint, gave people the chance to enjoy themselves. They were international markets, where merchants from all over Europe came to buy and sell their goods.
What do merchants do for fun?
The merchants had very little free time to have “hobbies.” The merchants would usually: Play cards. Play chess.
Why merchants were important?
Markets were also important centres of social life, and merchants helped to spread news and gossip. The nature of export markets in antiquity is well documented in ancient sources and in archaeological case-studies. Both Greek and Roman merchants engaged in long-distance trade.