Final answer:
The Hanseatic trade routes reached the greatest number of medieval cities, followed by Venetian, Genoese, and overland routes such as the Silk Road. So the correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the map showing medieval European trade routes, it is evident that the Hanseatic trade routes reached the greatest number of medieval cities. These routes were established by the Hanseatic League, which was a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. The League's network of cities stretched from the Baltic to the North Sea and inland during the late Middle Ages and early modern period, facilitating extensive trade throughout the region. This network was essential in revitalizing trade and commerce during this period, especially in places such as the Baltic and northern regions of Europe. On the other hand, the Venetian trade routes were also significant as they connected Europe with the wealth of the East, through maritime routes that included the Black Sea and the Mediterranean coast, while the Genoese trade routes rivaled with Venice, focusing on the western Mediterranean and reaching into the Atlantic. The overland routes, such as the Silk Road, were also pivotal but less profitable due to the high costs, taxes, and risks of banditry.