Before European Hegemony part 1

Abu-Lughod argues in her book "Before European Hegemony" that during the Middle Ages Europe was not nearly as advanced as the Middle East and and Asian. She states that between 1250-1350 a "commercial revolution" began due to technological and social innovations that made it more possible to produce surpluses. One of these innovations was the invention of money and credit. Europe and the Middle East used gold coins while China had already introduced paper money that was backed by the state. According to Abu-Lughod, this advancement slowed due to wars in Asia and the Black Plague.

In the next section of the book Abu-Lughod wrote about several events in Europe that led to increased trade. The first of the these events is the Champagne fairs in France. These fairs were year-round and situated around religious holidays. The counts of the area offered protection for the merchants, making the journey less risky. These fairs also led to the rise of merchant-bankers, in turn, increasing inequality. The next event is the growth the textile industry in Bruges and Ghent in Flanders. The Flemish were known for their textiles but at one point were not allowed to got to the Champagne fairs so Italy traveled to Bruges by water. Bruges eventually became a banking center. The last event is the Crusades and Black Plague and their effect on Venice and Genoa.

I found this book interesting to read because it offers a different point of view than what most Americans are taught in school. Abu-Lughod argues that Europe was not superior to the Middle East and Asia. I am curious to read about the factors that caused the Middle East and Asia to fall according to Abu-Lughod. I, too, wonder how many historians agree with Abu-Lughod's thesis.