Overview

By A.D. 1200, Europe was in the process of changing from a medieval agricultural economy to one based upon interregional trade, which contributed to the growth of large urban centers. Many of these cities evolved from successful trade fairs established along busy trade routes. In turn, they engendered a commercial revolution that would eventually change medieval society.

Background

At its height, the Roman Empire extended from southwest Asia to the British Isles. Travel and communication were based upon an extensive network of roads that linked the four corners of the empire to the city of Rome. The Romans were the greatest military and civil engineers of the ancient world and many of their roads and bridges are still in operation today.

Over time, social, political, and economic problems weakened the empire, and by the end...