Trade routes that existed since the Roman Empire were infused by new wealth and products when trade between the Italian city-states and the Ottoman Empire increased.
As a result, cities like Cologne, Bruges, Paris, London, and Lisbon became centers of trade and banking. Like in Italian cities, trade led to the establishment of a wealthy class of merchants and bankers who could afford to commission work from artists and help pay for new architecture.
As a result, cities like Cologne, Bruges, Paris, London, and Lisbon became centers of trade and banking. Like in Italian cities, trade led to the establishment of a wealthy class of merchants and bankers who could afford to commission work from artists and help pay for new architecture.