“A Suitable Place for Putting up a Mill.”
Carl Hammer
This paper explores the structure of watermill technology in Carolingian Bavaria (8<sup>th</sup>-9<sup>th</sup> centuries). It combines diplomatic analysis historical documents (primarily deeds) with evidence from archaeology and hydrological topography. identifies 92 mill sites for period maps them according to their appropriate water courses. concludes that watermills were widely distributed across Bavarian landscape mills primarily sited on smaller tributary streams as suggested originally by American historian power, Louis Hunter. However, archaeological two contemporary mill-sites shows such modest locations could still employ a sophisticated vertical water-wheel technology. The then places these within socio-economic context argues they constructed lay magnates satisfy internal demand high-quality milled products ecclesiastical courts monasteries. is further this rose sharply later 8<sup>th</sup> century after establishment full organization Bavaria. led development extensive revealed sources. also proposes simple model categorizing five determinants: technology, capital required; ownership/control; structure; transportation
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