Dutch shipping in the Mediterranean was on a modest scale in the Middle Ages, but it grew rapidly from 1590 onwards. Especially merchants from Amsterdam and from the northern towns of the province of Holland were active in this trade. They carried corn, textiles, cheese, fish and spices there, and brought back dried fruits, citrus, wine, silk, oil and marble. The ship on the left, with the coat of arms of Amsterdam on the stern, is being repaired.