Merchant definition history. Understand the role of merchants throughout history and their impact on trade, economy, and culture. Originating from Anglo-French marchaunt (early 13c. During the European medieval period, a rapid expansion in trade and commerce led to the rise of a wealthy and powerful merchant class. This class emerged prominently in the period from 1450 to 1750, as global trade networks expanded and economic systems evolved, leading to shifts in social hierarchies and relationships between different classes. . ), meaning "one who trades," merchant denotes both a trader and anything relating to commerce or merchants. Learn about the term 'Merchant': its origins, historical significance, and contemporary relevance. The concept of merchants has existed for thousands of years, dating back to the early days of human civilization. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, merchants played an important role in trade and commerce, transporting goods between different regions and connecting distant markets. OED's earliest evidence for merchant is from around 1225, in Worcester Glosses to Old English Homilies. Merchants and merchant networks operated in ancient Babylonia, Assyria, China, Egypt, Greece, India, Persia, Phoenicia and Rome. The Merchant Class refers to a social and economic group consisting of individuals engaged in trade, commerce, and the exchange of goods. Middle English marchant "merchant," from early French marcheant (same meaning), derived from Latin mercari "to trade," from merc-, merx "merchandise" — related to commerce, market The earliest known use of the word merchant is in the Middle English period (1150—1500). y26dyc cv mxdtz1 jd h1zzh0 yvqxh 81 ep c4ni0 lnuz8sdr