There were several factors that led to the revival of trade and towns. Among them were the following:
- The end if the Age of Migrations and Viking and Magyar raids
- Increased security, often provided by such Church groups as the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller
- Increase in pilgrimage within Europe
- The rise of guilds
- The rise of republican cities or medieval communes
- Associations of guilds, such as the Hanseatic League, which protected trade routes
- Opening of spice routes or the silk road, as happened periodically
There are links below for more information on these.
