From a Village to a City

Once upon a time it was nothing but a fishing village, the XII century just started making this little place – a significant place. Gradually it became a trading wool center, its inexorable bloom continued till VXII century and the Golden Age which was sensational not only for Amsterdam, but, Europeitself.

Everything started from the Amstel Riverand the herring which became the first and the most important trade mark for the small village – Amsterdam. Living in the XII century was not an easy thing, people struggled for survival and existence. Nothing came easily, even fishing of herring. Local tribes made their settings all along the North Sea coast. Yet, the huts were poorly made, sometimes it didn’t withstand the harsh and sudden tides from the Zuiderzee. Despite the problems and hostile conditions, the Amstel community grew in power, influence and ingenuity helped them to make the whereabouts stronger. Huts became timber-framed. Still nowadays – three last dykes might be admired; Warmoesstraat, Nieuwendijk, Klaverstraat. Which is , simply, impressive!

The water was the main problem to deal with from the very early settlement. The Dutch had to master it, had to learn it, and without a cloud of doubt – use it correctly. The soil made them to build drainage canals which significantly rose the level of the houses up to 70cm – simply – knee-deep-in water.

Too much water easily and unscrupulously destroyed the houses so meticulously done, leading invariably to disaster. One of the most horrifying tides had its onset on 1200. It submerged the area of the present Dam borough. Despite its strength is was not immerse enough to open the gate which would flow the Amstel river onto the sea.

In 1275 the village was blooming, soon it became a small town, what attracted and encouraged traders to come and stay; were peat bogs – Amstelledame. It was, still, at the edge of Europe, still small – yet – mysterious – not a capital, but all was about to change! It grew from burg to city. The first forerunner of the Oude Kerk – The Old Church emerged by Oudekerksplein – it contained 600 – 610 houses. Amstelleedame – or Amsterdamstarted to live, to thrive and trade as much as it could. It must be remembered – the place were not called Amsterdam until XVI century, what I am writing about is a small community of people struggling for survival, a small town which wanted to be noticeable by trading  any goods it could. Damn – the Dutch were very good in it – it simply must have worked out and it did!

Where is money there is no peace, the provincial skirmishers over the power between the much more bigger and influential Bishop of Utrecht and Count of Holland had its end in XIII century.

Admire and learn – cos I give You Your ‘freedom’! Well, I simplified it a bit … yet it was what  Floris V guaranteed to His people -   it is questionable if People liked it or not – yet – they have been given freedom from paying tolls on goods shipped along the waterways of Holland. In 1300 Amsterdam, officially has been proclaimed – a city. The official document has been signed by Bishop of Utrecht. Heir of Floris V eased the continuous fashion of ‘agree to disagree’ between Bishop of Utrecht and Counts of Holland by supporting the old Bishop and giving unconditional right for his cousin to be a successor – a new Bishop of Utrecht.

The commerce and canals made Amstelleedame a prosperous, social place; weirs and ditches made homes dry and firm, however, caused a lot trouble to the ships and boats, which needed space and pace to trade goods successfully from one place to another. Population became bigger, expanded, everything had to move on – a bigger space was needed. Most of the shops were situated by the dykes of the big dam – Damrak. The biggest agricultural markets and ‘stores’ were beside the Waag so-called – Weigh House – which is present day Dam Square. Its ideal location had been banished by the French king of Holland. Nonetheless – the expansion caused disputes and argumentation. The dykes were narrowed, main streets appeared, they were directly connected with the principal canals to the Amstel river. More canals were built. More trade markets appeared alongside its sides. The perfect example of XV century architecture is the squat turret at the Nieuwemarkt.

The city truly expanded, in 1420 – it was the largest city in the Netherlands, the population soon reached 30.000 people. The trade was mostly between coastal Baltic tribes. Salt was very precious commodity; it was used by fishermen to preserve herring and cod. Haarlem and and Leiden became significant points for workshops. Wool from Englandwas not only the best quality one but also bloody expensive. Both cities made good-quality clothing. Thus became leading wool center in the country. Beer which was imported from Hamburg within a short period of time became another trade commodity; brewers from Gouda, Delft and Amsterdamcould prize their equally good, tasty and a bit cheaper product.  The trade was very much prosperous. 

Bibliography:

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