Troyes

Troyes (a name derived from the French for "three") is the city under discussion and scrutiny in this book, though much of the book's information can be generalized to other cities. Troyes is a commercial center due to its twice-a-year Fairs, drawing merchants from all over the Mediterranean. It is the capital of Champagne.

The Church

The Christian Church certainly has much influence over the Western world at this time, and Troyes is no exception. The Church has its own court and legal jurisdiction, its own political power in the form of various Bishops, and a great deal of economic influence through tithing and indulgences.

Commune

A commune is the city structure arising from a charter negotiated between merchant burghers and the feudal lord, in Troyes' case the Count of Champagne. Merchants agree to provide the lord a certain amount of tax in exchange for individual liberties...