As trade networks between countries and regions grew, the language of trade evolved. Merchants were no longer dealing with men from the next town over: vast trade routes like the 'Silk Road' linked Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe. Language skills became almost as valuable as spices. In eastern kingdoms, Aramaic remained the recognised language of trade, but a knowledge of the basics of Greek and Latin became essential as many goods, particularly spices, became sought after commodities in the west.
