Medieval Trade and Commerce

Medieval trade and commerce flourished from roughly the 5th to the late 15th century, connecting various regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Cities grew around trade routes, and merchants exchanged goods like spices, textiles, and metals. The rise of fairs and markets bolstered local economies, while innovations like banking and currency made transactions easier. Trade networks, like the Hanseatic League, facilitated commerce among Northern European towns. Overall, commerce played a crucial role in urban development, cultural exchange, and the eventual transition to a more modern economic system by laying the groundwork for the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration.