II. Historical Development

A European exhibition net starts to develop in the 14th century
In the 14th century new trade centres develop. The trade west-east becomes more and more important. At the end of the 18th century a net of exhibition sites exists from Poland to Spain and England to South Italy. The first European currency (ECU) is rising. Historical places for European trade fairs in the middle ages:

Netherlands and Belgium
Bruges, Ypern, Gent, Antwerp, Bergen-op-Zoom, Deventer, Utrecht

Germany
Frankfurt Main 1240: Fall fair
1330 spring fair permitted by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian
Leipzig - Frankfurt: Because of the change to the Gregorian calendar there was an overlapping of fairs in Leipzig and Frankfurt/Main. The transfer of the fair from Frankfurt to Leipzig became necessary.15)

South France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain
Geneva, Lyon, Besancon, Piacenca, Medina Del Campo
Medina del Campo: Take-over of the imperial financial administration of Emperor Charles V.
After stoppage of payment: 1575 closed

Geneva
1320 - 1464 largest fair in Europe, trade over the Alps, opened 4 times per year for 10 days per annum. Products: Textiles, luxuries, silk, spices, non-ferrous and noble metals, pigments, furs, skins, wines, manuscripts.