The practice of trade has been an essential activity in the history of humanity, and Spain is no exception. From the earliest transactions in local markets to international trade, the need to formalize agreements has led to the creation of contracts and commercial documents that have evolved over the centuries. This article will delve into the history of contracts and commercial documents in Spain, exploring their development, cultural significance, and impact on the economy.
The First Steps: Contracts in Antiquity
The history of contracts in Spain dates back to Roman times. With the dominance of the Roman Empire, commercial practices were introduced that laid the foundations for trade in the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans not only established an extensive system of roads and maritime trade but also developed the concept of a contract, which was a formal agreement between parties that involved the delivery of goods and services.
Roman contracts were primarily verbal, but over time, they began to be documented on scrolls and wax tablets. One of the most well-known contracts from this period was the "emptio-venditio," which regulated the buying and selling of goods. This system of contracts set the stage for more sophisticated commercial practices that would emerge in the Middle Ages.
The Middle Ages: The Influence of Merchants
During the Middle Ages, trade experienced a remarkable resurgence thanks to the growth of cities and the emergence of new players in the market: the merchants. These traders, who traveled through trade routes in Europe, began to establish more formal agreements to protect their transactions.
Medieval contracts, often drafted in Latin, were more detailed than...