Using simple language, this book describes the growth and development of markets in the Middle Ages. Many markets began at crossroads and river bridges, where local people could easily meet to barter or buy and sell goods. Specialist markets grew up, along with large-scale fairs attended by people from all over Europe, and these laid the foundations for our modern trade. The social life provided by the markets is also looked at, the entertainers, such as the acrobats, singers and performing animals.