The people trafficking princes: slaves, silver and state formation in Poland

Roach, A. (2020) The people trafficking princes: slaves, silver and state formation in Poland. Slavonica, 25(2), pp. 132-156. (doi: 10.1080/13617427.2020.1841389)

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Abstract

The Piast princes were traders in slaves which was the foundation of their power. Conversion to Christianity was part of a wider project at stabilisation which can be compared to Coase's ‘firm’, whereby previously ‘ad hoc’ market arrangements between agents are formalised in return for regular remuneration. This proved timely as the establishment of the Piast state coincided with a decline of the trade with the east, but enabled the Piasts to take a larger share of what commerce remained. Despite their best efforts, in the 1030s the Piasts succumbed to internal pressures and powerful neighbours. Nevertheless, the structures they created provided the basis for the kingdom of Poland.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Roach, Dr Andrew
Authors: Roach, A.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > History
Journal Name:Slavonica
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1361-7427
ISSN (Online):1745-8145
Published Online:09 November 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
First Published:First published in Slavonica 25(2): 132-156
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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