Crusaders brought back middle eastern ideas. Crusading merchants brought home new products.They introduced Europe to foods like lemons, rice, apricots, and melons. New spices like ginger, and pepper, cloves and cinnamon, now seasoned European food. The merchants brought fine cloth. Europeans began wearing brightly dyed silks. With the new trading, Europe's whole economy became stronger.When the crusades left Europe , their journeys gave them fresh ideas. There was a new interest in travel and exploration. People learned to make better maps. All the fighting that went on encouraged even more interest in warfare.Crusaders returned with new weapons and better battle skills.
