Because of the Crusades, Europeans were exposed to various elements of Oriental cultures, and this exposure had a great impact on Europeans who were greatly impressed by some of what they found. What were some of the influences that flowed into Europe as a result of this exposure? Explain which of these you feel had the most profound effect and tell why you think this.

NOTES: First define what the Crusades were and when they took place. “Oriental” in this context refers to the Middle East. As we saw last week in the Silk Road assignment, this area was a crossroads that connected the Mediterranean world to the rest of Asia.