Since the 11th century the population in Europe was growing. The reason for it was, among other things, an increase in agricultural production due to a good climate.
A period of town foundations began which lasted over 300 years.
The trading settlement of Lübeck was founded in the Baltic Sea region as a rival to Schleswig.
Due to its favourable location the new town rapidly attracted more and more merchants.
The revenue from trade clearly exceeded the taxes from the peasants and therefore the rulers encouraged trade.
The growing population in Europe could not or did not want to provide themselves with locally available products. As a result, long-distance trade became an increasingly profitable business.
Especially the upper sectors of the population were supplied with luxury goods.