Final answer:
Merchants in the medieval period influenced culture by increasing trade, sharing ideas at trade fairs, and forming trade organizations like the Hanseatic League.
Step-by-step explanation:
Merchants in the medieval period most likely influenced culture by increasing trade between different countries, sharing ideas and information at trade fairs, and forming trade organizations like the Hanseatic League. These merchants played a significant role in spreading knowledge and goods across regions, connecting different civilizations, and contributing to the growth of cities and financial systems. For example, merchants like Marco Polo explored new routes to China, while the Italian city-states became centers of trade and finance.