Medieval Economy in the Area of the Julian Alps

Abstract

The area of the Julian Alps consists of a predominant mountainous and a hilly landscape, the majority of which is unsuitable for the agrarian land use. Animal husbandry became the main sector of agrarian industry, while arable farming had greater importance in more favourably situated areas. The flourish of the ironwork industry from the 14th century onwards brought about the area’s economic progress, which was significantly improved by the presence of numerous more or less important traffic routes via the Julian Alps. The ironwork industry and trade were the most important factors in the development of urban centres on the fringes of the Julian Alps.