This was a significant change for that period in time. Between 1100 and 1300, Europe's population thus increased and became more dense, going from 20 persons per square kilometre to 40 persons per square kilometre. This level was a level of saturation and the population thus became vulnerable. The Plague continued to menace Europe through the 14th century and until the Renaissance. This is a very important element to consider when observing the link between technological developments and sociological events.
Some periods are open to innovation because of the absence of the ruling class.
When saturation occurs, the crystallisation of the institution blocks innovation and there is a decline that can last, as in this case, two centuries, an enormous period of time. Everything has been done to help successors find the routes which maintain the link between the two sides of the Atlantic. The purpose of Columbus' trip was, therefore, not to cross the Atlantic but to find another route to China. However, with the discovery of the new Continent, they created a permanent way of passage for exchange and later, as everyone knows, of piracy.