medieval maritime trade

Medieval maritime trade involved the exchange of goods across seas and rivers, crucial for economic growth from the 9th to the 15th century. Key players included merchants who navigated ships to trade items like spices, textiles, and metals. Important trade routes linked Europe with Asia and Africa, facilitating cultural exchange and the spread of ideas. Major ports, such as Venice and Genoa, became vibrant centers of commerce. This trade was vital in fostering connections between different regions, stimulating urban development, and laying the groundwork for the later age of exploration and global trade networks.