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To: Steve Van Doorn
All of Europe's trade became nearly none existent

Islam and its raiders/pirates basically destroyed trade in the Med. But to claim that this in and of itself destroyed all trade across Europe seems a bit of a stretch. Riverborne and land routes were still available, if a lot more expensive.

During the period in question, the Vikings were ravaging north and west Europe, the Saracens were attacking from the South, and the Magyars were attacking from the East.

Each of these groups penetrated so far into the Continent that it brings up the possibility of their actually bumping into each other. In fact, it's probable, since we know some of the Viking raids penetrated into the Med.

Magyar raids penetrated into central Spain, western France, and southern Italy. They really got around. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kalandozasok.jpg

IOW, the decline of trade and civilization was not due solely or even necessarily to Islamic aggression.

41 posted on 08/16/2013 2:34:23 PM PDT by Sherman Logan
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To: Sherman Logan
I agree there were other raiders. This all boils down to these raiders made the roads and the seas unsafe and trade nearly stopped. This is what created the dark ages.

I have to point out Islam was the worst of these groups and they controlled the seas raiding at will.

When Rome controlled the seas and roads they were relatively safe for trade.

45 posted on 08/16/2013 3:22:21 PM PDT by Steve Van Doorn (*in my best Eric Cartman voice* 'I love you, guys')
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