The conversation between human and AI assistant.
Why were the Italian city-states important to the Crusades?
Did the city-states have any motives for getting involved in the Crusades beyond religious zeal?
Yes, the Italian city-states benefited economically from the Crusades. They were able to establish new trading routes and access valuable goods from the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, the city-states gained territorial and political advantages that helped them become major powers in Europe.