Even though the crusades were some of the darkest years of mankind’s existence there was still dynamic mixing of cultures and exchange of ideas. The events of the crusades were so horrifying and cruel, yet it seemed to have laid the frame work of what was to become the modern world. It is said that the crusades contributed to the discovery of the Americas because of the development of new techniques for shipbuilding and navigation (Treece 284). The crusaders first learned of sugar can from the Syrians. Sugar became a important food to enter Europe from the east. This same source provided sesame lily, the carob tree and saffron. The watermelon was also imported from Syria. The Crusaders discovered spices that allowed food to last longer and
