Bread and Grain Trade in the Dalmatian City Statutes of the 13th–15th Centuries

Търговията с хляб и зърно в далматинските градски статути от XIII–XV век

Исторически преглед, 81 (2025) No. 1, pp. 208-223 (ISSN 0323-9748)
DOI:

Joanna Bencheva / Йоанна Бенчева

Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of History

Abstract: This article focuses on the provisions in the medieval town statutes of the Dalmatia and Istria region that regulate the trade of bread and grain. These provisions are divided into two main groups: the first addresses the production, import, and export of grain, while the second pertains to the activities of millers and bakers responsible for the production and sale of bread. Both categories share common features, including an authorization regime, heightened control over compliance with regulations through the work of dedicated boards, supervision of weights and measures, price fixing, determination of applicable taxes and charges, and penalties for violations. An analysis of these regulations highlights the critical role of the bread and grain trade for the towns along the Adriatic coast during the Middle Ages.

Keywords: trade, grain, bread, city statutes, Middle Ages, Dalmatia, Istria.

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