Martnan og Levanger - om grunnlaget for tettstedsdannelse

Abstract

The article takes the annual fairs in Levanger as a point of departure for asking what kind of historical context regional fairs can be seen within. As a theoretical framework, Fernand Braudel’s portrayal of the development of capitalism in early modern times is used, with people’s local daily economy as the basis, supplemented by the market economy with developed mechanisms linking producers and consumers. The final and highest level in the development introduces international capitalism, with merchants connecting to international economic centres. The time of origin for the Levanger market is uncertain: its existence is established in the 16th century, and it may date back before the 15th century. The Levanger market had its origin in barter between the fishing population, peasants and mountain dwellers, each with different products to offer. Jemtland, which from 1645 belonged to the Swedish kingdom, was part of the region where people regularly visited Levanger, and represented a link to larger regions in Sweden. The article discusses how urban merchants incorporated the regional fairs in their economic activities and how a permanent urban community developed with the market as a basis.