Janet Abu-Lughod’s 2 articles argue that from the 1000s to the 1400s, Western Europe developed an extensive urban network that connected the different cities of the continent from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea.
Does this have anything to do with the Champagne Trade Fair?
Yes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_fairs
Yes, Janet Abu-Lughod's articles are relevant in understanding the development of an extensive urban network in Western Europe from the 1000s to the 1400s. One of the key components of this network was the Champagne Trade Fair.
The Champagne Trade Fair, also known as the "Foire de Champagne," was a renowned trade event that took place annually in the Champagne region of France during the Middle Ages. It played a significant role in fostering economic and commercial connections between cities in Western Europe.
To understand the connection between the Champagne Trade Fair and the development of the urban network, we need to look at the broader context. Abu-Lughod's research highlights how various trade routes and commercial activities contributed to the growth of cities and the formation of urban networks during this period.
The Champagne region held a strategic location between the major trade routes connecting northern and southern Europe. The trade fair, which attracted merchants from across the continent, provided a platform for the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. This led to increased interaction and cooperation among different cities, promoting economic growth and urbanization.
The success of the Champagne Trade Fair contributed to the development of trade routes and economic ties, which in turn facilitated the growth of cities along these routes. As this urban network expanded, it enhanced connectivity from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea, as mentioned in Abu-Lughod's articles.
In summary, while Abu-Lughod's articles discuss the broad development of an urban network in Western Europe, the Champagne Trade Fair played a crucial role in connecting cities and fostering economic exchange during that time period.