CHAP. xr.

GOLD AND SILVER.

303

other pursuit than that of arms. Hence, thecommerce of Europe fell almost exclusively intothe hands of the Jews , who, though sometimespersecuted, were sometimes caressed by themonarchs and the nobles ; and were, in fact, thechief depositaries of the treasures of gold andsilver.

Although in the ninth and tenth centuries,the names of Bordenwick, Magdeburg , Erfort,Forscheim, and Ratisbonne , occur as tradingcities ; there seems reason to conclude that thechief business in them was conducted by theJews . The fairs and markets that were esta-blished for purposes of trade were fixed atplaces and in situations which were deemed bythose people most adapted for their convenientresort.

An author of the ninth century, who affirmsthis, complains of the Jews that “ their richesand their pride had so increased, under thefeeble reign of Louis the First of France , thatboth had attained their highest pitch. Theyobtained for money whatever they desired, andeven succeeded to such an extent, that thepriests were forbidden to baptize their domesticswithout previously obtaining the consent oftheir masters. The principal persons of thecourt, whose money was diminished, and whosewants increased, sought their friendship, and