transregional networks of communication and exchange in the classical age
DESCRIPTION
Persians, Greeks, Phoenecians, Romans Maritime connection between Italy and Egypt important for Roman Empire (wheat from Egypt) Ships with squared sails War common in the seas because of limited space Ports on Eastern Mediterranean tied with Eurasian Silk Roads THE MEDITERRANEANTRANSCRIPT
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…..