The origin of the name of Amsterdam is “dam in the Amstel” (the Amstel is a river). This name gives a lot of information about old Amsterdam. On both sides of the Amstel dikes were built. At first (around 1225) people started building houses at the west side, later (around 1250) also the eastside started to get inhabited. Between both banks a dam was built and soon trade started to flourish. Shortly after the year 1300 Amsterdam was granted privileges of a city. At the dam goods were begin shipped from boats and sold from a square near the dam, this is now called Dam Square. If you visit Amsterdam you can still see the Weighing House over there. If you are at the Dam Square, try to imagine it in medieval times, surrounded by water. It seems almost impossible that ships were sailing over there when you visit the place now. |  |
 Churches (black) and convents (red) in Medieval amsterdam source: www.bertsgeschiedenis.nl | On the dike at the westbank the first houses were built around 1225 and soon many houses followed. Agriculture is difficult and therefore the people engage in building ships and fishing. A harbour is built and trade flourishes. In 1300 or 1306 Amsterdam is granted privileges of a city. It grows and grows and smaller villages are annexed and Amsterdam becomes the well-known big city it is nowadays. Amsterdam even has its own miracle. In 1345 a dying man in the Kalverstraat regurgitates a host. The host is thrown in the fire, but doesn’t burn. The miracle is called… The Miracle of Amsterdam. Every year the miracle is remembered by a procession along the old borders of the city. |
