The crusades caused a decline in medieval trade
it would be Crusaders thieves and bandits
The decline in medieval trade was caused by political instability, natural disasters, the Bubonic Plague, and ongoing wars such as the Hundred Years' War, leading to localized economies and reduced long-distance commerce. These factors combined created a challenging environment for trade during the late Middle Ages. As Europe's trade routes were disrupted, economies shifted towards local markets and communities began to focus on subsistence living.
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