Entre Gênes et Barcelone. Les ports français du Languedoc: Guerre, commerce et piraterie (1380-1450 environ)

Abstract

During the XIVth and XVth centuries, piracy throughout Western Mediterranean endangered maritime trade. This insecurity increased becau­se of the war between Catalans and Genoese, specially after 1420. The French coast --that is to say, the ports of Languedoc, between Narbonne and Aigues-Mortes-- was not entirely safe, but had a relatively advanta­geous situation and a certain security. This was enhanced by the kings of France, who tried to expand the maritime activities of this coast. The ex­port of natural products, like cereals, had a very important place in the trade. Bedides, the region was connected, by land routes, with Avignon and Barcelona. At the time that the Papacy was tranfered to Avignon and even later, Montpellier became the key centre between Avignon and Cata­lonia for business, trade and finances. Very important Florentine groups were interested in these exchanges. Finally, Nîmes, Montpellier and Narbonne became active markets for the routes coming from the North (Bour­gogne, kingdom of France). Aigues-Mortes became, thanks to the Venetian muda, one of the most important Mediterranean ports, although it was always subject to the political conflicts and the insecurity of the sea.