Question

Why were asian spices in the 1300's so expensive by the time they reached europe?

Answer 1

They came a long way and passed through many hands

Answer 2

Spice trade was the trade of several types of spices between civilizations located in Asia, North East Africa, and Europe. The types of spices that were traded were cinnamon, cassia, ginger, and pepper.

Trade routes were established from far east Asia to Europe and the trail was long. However, these goods became scarce due to appearance fo the Turkish Ottoman Empire in 1299. Turkish territory was part of the main spice trade route. However, the Ottomans started putting restrictions in trade, immediately affecting the supply of spices in Europe, making the prices rise in the 1300s.