Spices in Medieval Commerce
Medieval Europe craved exotic spices from distant Asian lands. Merchants risked death on dangerous trade routes to bring back pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. A pound of pepper could buy a serf’s freedom in medieval England. Rich nobles showed off their wealth by serving spice-laden dishes at feasts. Spices did more than flavor food – they preserved meat, made medicines, and played roles in religious ceremonies. Their scarcity made them worth more than gold.
