Ineed more details in answering this question

"the sandy walls seemed to collapse in on themselves"

and

"the bloodshot waters seemed to have no bottom"

the development of trade during the middle age increased to the change given in the agriculture, which gave money, industry and markets a bigger importance in economy. the agriculture production was more than the consumption, which meant the creation of wider markets out of the areas. besides, with the end of multiple wars, the population increased and new trade routes were created.