Between the years 1200 and 1600 economic development in most parts of Europe gained momentum. By the end of this period per capita income in Western Europe (excluding Orthodox countries) was well above the income levels in all other regions of the world. We relate this unique development to the...

Between the years 1200 and 1600, economic development in Catholic Europe gained momentum. By the end of this period, per‐capita income levels were well above the income levels in all other regions of the world. We relate this unique development to the resurrection of Roman law, the rise of...