LEIDEN.- If you think the Middle Ages were boring and dark, you
are wrong. Circa 800 A.D., Dorestad, located where Wijk bij
Duurstede now lies (in the Netherlands), was a city that was
bustling with activity, merchants and craftsmen. In the lively
decor of the new family exhibition Dorestad. World City in the
Middle Ages (through 1 November 2009), young and old can
acquaint themselves with life in this medieval port city.
Archaeological discoveries, games and a scavenger hunt guarantee
an adventurous journey of discovery for the entire family. Some
1200 years ago, the village of Dorestad, located on the banks of
the Kromme Rijn, grew to become a flourishing hub of trade. Many
affluent merchants, shippers and craftsmen lived there. Luxury
goods such as gems, swords, glasswork, wine and amber exchanged
hands. Dorestads heyday was short-lived. The city succumbed
after dozens of raids by the Vikings, a long battle against the
river and a lack of political protection. At the close of the
ninth century Dorestad had