Rhine River Barge

Timeline

1. c. 900–1100Mainz · GermanyFrom the Carolingian to Salian period, flat-bottomed boats along the Rhine already transported salt, wine, and building stone, laying the foundation for the later barge system.
2. c. 1190–1200Cologne · RhinelandIn the late 12th century, Cologne was one of the largest Rhine river ports; barges regularly carried grain, cloth, and wine downstream to the Netherlands and upstream, regulated by city and church tolls.
3. c. 1200–1300Strasbourg · Middle RhineIn the early 13th century, Rhine barges linked with Hanse merchant networks, coordinating inland transport with North Sea trade and strengthening the Rhine basin's status as a main artery of European inland water transport.