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What goods made Brussels wealthy during the 12th through 14th centuries?
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Brussels
Grand' Place (Grote Markt), Brussels.
During the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries, the economic prosperity of Brussels was primarily driven by the manufacture of luxury fabrics. These high-quality textiles were exported to major markets and fairs in cities such as Paris, Venice, and the Champagne region of France.1
This cloth trade generated significant wealth for a small number of enterprising merchant families, who subsequently established a plutocratic political regime in the city.1