Which evidence best supports the idea that the Crusades were both an economic and religious venture?

The choice highlighting the significant role of Venetian traders during the Crusades effectively supports the idea that the Crusades were both an economic and religious venture. Venice, a powerful city-state in the Middle Ages, provided crucial naval support and transportation for the Crusades. As the Crusaders sought to reclaim the Holy Land, the involvement of Venetian merchants and traders illustrates the intersection of religious motives and economic interests.

These traders not only sought to benefit economically from the increased trade and commerce that the Crusades facilitated but also participated in a religiously motivated campaign. They were instrumental in transporting soldiers and supplies, thus directly linking the financial aspects of the Crusades to their overall religious goals. The resulting interactions between trade and religion during this period underscore the multifaceted nature of the Crusades as endeavors driven by both the quest for spiritual fulfillment and material gain.