Part 3/8:
As urban areas began to expand around the 11th century, the practice of charging tolls for crossing bridges became commonplace. This system was generally a penny per person, with the charge varying for different animals and goods. Merchants bearing heavier loads faced considerably higher fees when entering cities, especially if they carried valuable items like silk or spices. This toll system provided funds for maintaining infrastructure, but it also made travel relatively expensive.
Consequently, travelers often planned their routes to minimize the number of towns visited to reduce these costs. For instance, crossing a single bridge might require a toll, which travelers would factor into their journey.