The revival of urban life was one of the most important developments of the High Middle Ages. Trade and towns grew in tandem. Increased trade brought new wealth to Europe’s urban centers. That wealth stimulated urban population growth, which, in turn, produced increased demand for trade goods. As this process gathered momentum, towns gained legal and political rights, as well as special privileges for residents. At the same time, merchants and craftsmen formed professional associations called guilds, which would play a central part in urban economic and political life. As you read these documents, consider what they reveal about the goals and priorities of urban leaders. What kinds of communities did town leaders seek to create? What connections did they forge between economic and political rights?