Iron Production Chain and Local Connectivity: The Creation of an ‘Industrial District’ in Late Medieval Valtellina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6093/1593-2214/11556Keywords:
Middle Ages, 12th-15th centuries, Alps, Valtellina, connectivity, iron, metallurgy, supply chainAbstract
This article investigates the mechanisms behind the construction of the Alpine iron and steel production chain in the Late Middle Ages, starting from the case study of Valtellina. Within the context of a lively debate on the economic relationships between the global and local levels in economic development, the study of natural resource exploitation chains, particularly iron, highlights the significant role of local trade and credit system in the establishment of the iron district. Iron entrepreneurs, mostly of local origin, are the cornerstone of this district, which is nonetheless characterized by professional specialization and medium-to short-range geographical mobility.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Riccardo Rao
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