Trade and commerce had a large impact on Europe during the middle ages. Trade was very popular during the renaissance, especially in Italy where cities like Genoa and Florence flourished. Trade brought the people of this time wealth which led them to help education and the arts ,these topics flourished greatly and is what the renaissance is known for. Trade also help spread culture giving new ideas and customs to the people. As a result of trade, the economy in Italy became money based and city-states became very independent. Craftsmen and merchants had more of a role and most families gained money. Trade and commerce had a large effect on the renaissance and was one of the reasons the renaissance was such a good time period to live in.