Post #1907

In eastern Christendom during the early Middle Ages, the Code of Justinian capped interest at 8 percent, and Byzantines restricted the lending profession to the laity. In areas conquered by Islamic armies, clever credit systems among merchants replaced banking contracts. In the West interest-bearing loans were even less socially acceptable. Charlemagne banned usury altogether in the early 800s. Preaching was likely not the key factor here; loans dried up with shrinking cities and decentralizing society. New relationships between local lords and tenants formed, relationships that conveyed deep social indebtedness—albeit not in monetary, contractual terms. Usury no longer lurked as a great threat. Or so it seemed. — Christian History Institute Source🔗https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/brood-of-vipers#:~:text=In%20eastern%20Christendom%20during%20the,Or%20so%20it%20seemed.