Why did Europeans think that trade with the orient would be profitable?

Europeans believed trade with the Orient would be profitable due to the high demand for luxurious goods such as silk, spices, and precious metals. These items were rare and highly valued in Europe, often fetching substantial prices. Additionally, the lucrative nature of the Silk Road and maritime routes suggested significant profit potential for merchants willing to engage in long-distance trade. The desire for wealth and the quest for new markets also fueled interest in establishing trading relationships with the East.