Water as an Economic Resource and as an Environmental Challenge Within the Urbanisation Process of the Rhine Valley in the 13th Century

Medieval urbanization along the Upper and Middle Rhine Valley, particularly in the 13th century, demonstrated the critical role of water as both an economic resource and an environmental challenge. The study reveals that despite the region's humid climate, water management was a complex issue, requiring regulation and political negotiation among town lords, townspeople, and communes. It also highlights how deforestation for urban expansion exacerbated flood risks, posing significant threats to settlements. The research addresses methodological challenges posed by the scarcity of historical sources from this early medieval period, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of water's significance in shaping urban landscapes.

Zeilinger, G. (2020). 16. Water as an Economic Resource and as an Environmental Challenge Within the Urbanisation Process of the Rhine Valley in the 13^th Century. The Power of Urban Water, 265–270. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110677065-016