After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe was cast into disarray, as several people groups banded together in fiefdoms to ensure survival. However, after decades in the Dark Ages, a light emerged on the European continent and the Late Medieval and Early Modern periods saw a great increase in trade, commerce, and connectedness between the states and kingdoms. Specifically, the Mediterranean saw the development of extensive trade networks with high traffic and risk, creating the need for modern banking institutions. Dr. Francesca Trivellato, the Andrew W. Mellon Professor at the School of Historical Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study, joins us to discuss Mediterranean trade and banking during the 11th to 17th centuries and the various causes behind the innovations.