Einleitung

Die Materialität von Kredit. Sachüberlieferungen mittelalterlicher Schuld- und Kreditbeziehungen

Abstract

This special issue provides an overview of the diversity of the materiality of credit relations in Central, Northeastern, and Southeastern Europe. In nine case studies dealing with different kinds of objects like tally sticks, letters and pawn objects, it is shown that credit was not limited to a specific social or economic stratum. Instead, credit relations were widespread and documented through a variety of material objects. The different ap­proaches stemming from archeology, German philology, Jewish studies, and material studies offer new insights into the functioning of medieval credit practices. Given the growing research interest in economic changes during the Middle Ages, the articles make a valuable addition to sources available for economists and historians alike.

Keywords Credit; Materiality; Cultural History; Eco­nomic History