Craftsmanship and commerce flourished in Thun in the 15th and 16th century, and the city became a regional market centre. A new town hall with a large store on the ground floor was built in the middle of the city, and a large market place, the Rindermarkt, was created in front of it. The city continued to develop in the 17th and 18th century, and the first attempts to introduce industry were made. Thun continued to remain simply a regional economic centre, however, with long-distance commerce playing a minor role. Following the invasion by the French, Thun became the capital of the Oberland canton, which existed from 1798 to 1802.