LAUSR

This article studies the functioning of Venetian galere da mercato along one of the coastlines where they operated, that of Valencia. The system was known to have seven routes during the XIVth to the XVIth centuries and was used to collect goods at the point of arrival. The first galleys which carne to the port of Valencia (from Flanders) were in 1391, but the most active period was 1450-1534, from Aigues Mortes and Bar­bary. Analysis of fiscal and notarial records shows that the fleet system operated with the import of textiles, metal and spices and the export of wool, slaves and cloth, though the basic function of the market was the exchange of billion for spices. The market benefited from high profits and above all, guaranteed Valencia's position as a centre of trade and exchange in the western Mediterranean.