Treasure is evidence of the close relationships between European elites, but also more broadly between Europe and the rest of the known world in the Middle Ages.
The intensification of international trade from the 11th century on meant that European traders, particularly Italian ones, were able to obtain supplies of raw materials such as ivory, silk, stones and gold.
At the same time, in European courts there was an ever-increasing demand for fine objects from the Orient. Possessing a glass or a piece of clothing made in Syria boosted the power of the owner who could show it off!
Adding to this prestige was the fact that European craftsmen had not yet mastered the techniques for making such items themselves. Gradually, workshops specialising in turning precious materials into fine objects developed in the large trading cities where oriental products were unloaded: silks in Venice, golds and ivory in Paris.
FOR KIDS
You can see from this map that in the Middle Ages, Europe received many materials and objects from the rest of the world. Rich people wanted beautiful and rare objects that were not made in France or surrounding countries. This gave craftsmen in Europe's major cities the idea of copying them for direct sale.