Medieval trade flourished between the 5th and 15th centuries, connecting various regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Key trade routes, such as the Silk Road and Mediterranean Sea, facilitated the exchange of goods like spices, textiles, and precious metals. Towns and cities grew around marketplaces, where merchants sold their wares and conducted business. The rise of guilds helped regulate trade practices and protect the interests of local artisans and merchants. Trade fairs became popular events, attracting buyers and sellers from distant lands. This exchange of goods and ideas contributed to the economic and cultural development of medieval societies.