The resurgence of towns and trade
''Cart tracks'', Vuiteboeuf, Canton Vaud. Parallel ruts were cut into a firm road surface, usually on steep slopes. Since carts did not have brakes, their wheels were blocked for coming downhill; the tracks prevented them from getting out of control. Traditionally thought to be Roman, recent research indicates that most (if not all) such roads were first built in the 13th or 14th centuries.© julia slater / swissworld.org
The 11th century saw the beginnings of profound economic changes, which gradually had a far reaching impact on the evolution of Swiss history.
Agricultural production started to increase, probably as a result of more favourable climatic conditions and improved farming techniques. Increased prosperity brought increased population, yet the land could now feed more people than were needed to work it.
Some of those no longer required to farm became specialised craftsmen or traders. Such people need to congregate in one place, in order to serve a wide rural community.
It is not therefore surprising that the 12-13th centuries saw a great resurgence in urban life.
A key development in Switzerland was the opening up of the St Gotthard pass in around 1220. The areas to the north of the pass - cantons Uri and Schwyz - became highly desirable possessions, since they controlled a new and lucrative trade route.
The Emperor granted to both Uri and Schwyz "imperial freedom", meaning that the Emperor was their only overlord. But the Habsburgs, who had possessions in the same area, did their best to reverse this situation.
Link to other website
- How old are the cart tracks? Via Storia (in German)