Europes fortunes changed markedly between 1000 and 1100 AD. The Byzantines and the Muslims in 1000 AD were tremendously powerful: The Byzantines entered a period of revival, while Islamic civilization grew as could be seen from events like the Battle of Manzikert. The Fatimids and the Seljuk Turks were both growing stronger. The First Crusade in 1095, however, was an indication that Europe was beginning to be organized and strong enough that it could fight back. Europe was beginning to come into its own throughout the eleventh century: It was beginning to be able to actually influence the world again. Economic growth changed political power. While nobles and traditional elites would still get a bulk of any economic growth, those who actually made money, created businesses or managed finances started to become stronger. New plows and harnesses made farming more efficient, but in particular the horse collar allowed farmers to use horses instead of oxen which not only increased their efficiency but also moved the horse from being an instrument of only war and leisure for the richest to being an animal that was used by almost everyone. Increasing trade and the development of skilled labor and artisans meant that Europe began to see people who could demand wealth in exchange for their services and goods. The Venetians, the Genoese and the Pisan naval forces made trade with other empires and cultures possible, which in turn led to the flow of new money and goods into Europe as well as new ideas and technologies. While trade was still incredibly dangerous because of both pirates and the threats of other societies, and the Italians had a massive hold upon the trade capabilities of Europe, it was at least possible for Europeans to do more than merely grow crops and try to survive. Feudalism contributed to the rise of monarchies in that it declined. In fact, one of the most important factors that led to the Renaissance was the decline of the tr