TRANSREGIONAL NETWORKS OF COMMUNICATION AND

EXCHANGE IN THE CLASSICAL AGE

Mediterranean Indian Ocean BasinTrans-Saharan Caravan RoutesSilk Road

4 MAJOR TRADE ROUTES

Persians, Greeks, Phoenecians, RomansMaritime connection between Italy and Egypt

important for Roman Empire (wheat from Egypt)Ships with squared sailsWar common in the seas because of limited spacePorts on Eastern Mediterranean tied with Eurasian

Silk Roads

THE MEDITERRANEAN

Sea lanes in Indian Ocean more extensive but trade volume lower

Ability to sail long distances Diasporic communities established because distances

so far that traders and sailors less connected with home society

Less war because fewer ports

INDIAN OCEAN BASIN

North-South trade in Nubia to connect Egypt with the South

Connected with Roman Empire: When Rome was strong they looked north and when Rome declined, they looked south

Caravan routes traveled by camelsSlavery was common

TRANS-SAHARAN CARAVAN ROUTES

More than 4,000 miles long2 eras of existence: 100 BCE – 900 CE and 1200s-

1600sOverland transport longer but cheaperHuge impact on transfer of technology, culture, and

religion

THE SILK ROADS OF EURASIA

1000 BCE first used in China Made out of base metals Would develop into primitive versions of round coins Often had holes in the middle to put them on a chain

700-500 BCE Metal coins thought to be used separately in each of the

classical civilizations Developed out of lumps of silver – so had more inherent

value Stamped with gods and emperors

When do we start using paper money???? Not until 806 in China!

“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY, MONEY, MONEY…..”

LAND TRAVELDomesticated Pack Animals

Horse, llama, camelStirrup- emerged in Central Asia and assisted in greater

stability while riding hoses and camelsYokes and collars- allowed animals to pull heavier loadsPack saddles- also out of Central Asia enabled animals

to carry more at a timeSEA TRAVELGalley – oared ship with squared sail – used in

Mediterrean and too unsteady for open-water navigationDhow- used lateen sails that could handle stronger

winds- used in the Red and Arabian Seas

INNOVATIONS IN TRANSPORT

Technology Transfer People traded new ideas- especially related to agricultural

outputEnvironmental impact

Crops moving from one place to another changes the environment

Spread of Diseases Bubonic Plague from India to China by 600s CE and to the

Eastern Roman Empire by 500s Smallpox affected Roman and Han empires

Religious and Cultural Borrowing Religions began to spread far beyond their origin Buddhism to China Christianity to Europe

WE TRADED MORE THAN GOODS…..