The Balanced Economic Growth of Carolingian Europe: Suggestions for a New Interpretation
Henry L. Misbach
of Carolingian Europe: Suggestions for a New Interpretation The period has been characterized by the advent feudalism, return to closed or house economy, and economic retrogression. Recent literature, however, no longer views feudalism as necessary political companion manorial agriculture. latter, in turn, ceased be defined static economy. Characteristics dynamic change are now frequently ascribed eighth ninth century northern Europe. Yet few efforts have made interpret results recent research with reference any specific theory growth, rarely critical assessments theories applied This essay will discuss shortcomings an older that utilized suggest new one replace it. first problem considered is nature extent available evidence. For high middle ages (Io5o-I350), written evidence relatively abundant. period, archaeological numismatic findings provided newest decades. much this material seems generate problems historian. If hoard Arab coins were uncovered Scandinavia, how did it get there? What relative fine metal content early medieval coins, can their position chronological series ascertained? In absence records which exist sufficient number coordinated known date
Journal of Interdisciplinary History