Imports

The island was by no means self-sufficient, and all sorts of consumer needs were met by importing commodities. Textiles, glassware and paper came from Europe, while famed, highly sought after spices, salt fish and caviar were brought from the East. In times of famine, agricultural commodities were also imported to cover food shortages. One typical instance involved a Heraklion merchant and sailor named Berto Dellaporta, son of the poet Leonardo, who is recorded in 1390 as chartering his ship to transport grain from Asia Minor to Crete.