Abstract

The existence of the early medieval emporia is generally connected to the development of maritime exchange networks. The flows of materials and things can be followed through archaeological and scientific methods to explore the economic and social dimension of these tremendous developments on a supra-regional plan. While these aspects are currently the object of intense research at UrbNet and elsewhere, I would like in this presentation to shift focus onto the significance and impact of “urbanization” on the everyday life of those who experienced it. More than an important economic and social development with at times wide political implications, urbanism also represents an equally important cultural development, especially concerning ways of living. After reviewing previous approaches to the question, which have essentially focused on aspects of identity and “cosmopolitanism”, I will discuss the originality of the life-style that emerged in the early medieval emporia to get closer to the specific experiences of those who inhabited these places, using recent work at Ribe’s emporium as a case-study.

The lecture will be followed by a wine reception.