The control of the Arabs on the trading activity caused the Europeans outside Italy to search for direct access to Asia, so the answer is letter B. Spice and silk were the 2 most commonly sought items during these times. Spices were used to preserve and flavor the food of the Europeans. Prices, however were overpriced especially in cities such as Venice and Constantinople aka Istanbul. Europeans found this unfair so they later sought for the spice islands and would later establish colonies.