During the High Middle Ages, an agricultural surplus allowed for increased food production, which in turn led to population growth and the development of towns and cities. With more food available, people had the time and resources to engage in trade and specialize in various crafts and professions. This expansion of trade was fueled by the surplus agricultural products being exchanged for other goods and services, leading to the development of a more complex and interconnected economy. Additionally, the surplus allowed for the production of goods that could be traded with other regions, leading to the growth of long-distance trade networks and the exchange of goods and ideas between different societies.
