Trade Between East and West

The Arabs brought silk, cotton and spices from Asia to Europe. The Europeans liked these things very much. Trade started, but it was very slow. It had to use year to bring a load of silk by land and sea from Chine to Europe. Then it also took a year to go back with the money. This made the goods very expensive. But people  still wanted more. Some Europeans wanted to visit the East themselves.

As a result of the trade with the East, some towns became rich.

Northern Italy was the best place in Europe for trade with the East. It was at western end of the sea and land routes to Asia. From Italy, goods could be sent all over Europe.

The renaissance began in the rich towns of northern Italy, especially Florence and Venice.

~~~~~ Rich merchants~~~~~

Italian merchants became very rich. They wanted to show the people how rich they were. They paid craftsmen and artists to make beautiful things for them.

~~~~~ Printing ~~~~~

In the Middle Ages all books were copied by hand. Usually this was done by monk. It was very also and expensive. Most books were Bibles, or about religion.

~ About 1450 a German called Gutenbery made the first printing press in Europe. Printed books could be made much more quickly.

~ Printed books were cheaper. More people could buy them.

~ There were books about different subjects besides religion. Scholars could read and talk about new ideas.

~ Printed books helped to spread these new ideas.