Medieval Trees

Medieval Matching Markets1

This paper presents insights on the market microstructure of the late Middle Ages. In particular it looks into the institution of the broker on medieval markets and fairs. It argues that the broker was a key player in the solution of a two-sided matching market problem. The broker’s obligation was to match sellers to buyers. Medieval market makers, i.e. the town o¢ cials set up rules for broker...

Medieval marriage and superstitions.

Late Medieval Mysticism

both positive and negative; in the medieval world, however, it held a precise meaning, often also referred to as “contemplation” or “the contemplative life.” The mysticism of this period had some merits, but also some serious flaws in both theology and practice. In many respects, the mysticism of the medieval world derived from early Latin mysticism, which in turn evolved from an amalgamation o...

Neurology in medieval

Medieval Matching Markets

This paper studies the market microstructure of pre-industrial Europe. In particular we investigate the institution of the broker in markets and fairs, and develop a unique data set of approximately 1100 sets of brokerage rules in 42 merchant towns in Central and Western Europe from the late 13th to the end of the 17th century. We show that towns implemented brokerage as an e¢ cient matchmaking...