Middle Ages Regents Practice Exam 2025 - Free Regents Practice Questions and Study Guide

The growth of towns and markets was significantly stimulated by the interactions during the Crusades. As European crusaders traveled to the Holy Land, they encountered various cultures, goods, and trading practices. This exposure led to increased demand for Eastern luxury goods such as silk, spices, and precious stones in Europe. Consequently, merchants sought to facilitate trade routes that would connect these regions, leading to the establishment and expansion of markets and towns that served as commercial hubs.

These towns became centers of trade where goods could be exchanged, and as trade flourished, so did the need for more infrastructure to support it. This engagement not only enhanced the economy but also encouraged the growth of a merchant class that played a vital role in these expanding markets. Moreover, the increased trade routes established during the Crusades helped weave together distant regions, contributing to a more interconnected economic landscape in Europe.