KEY CONCEPT 2.3 Review, Expansion, Explanation and all stuff like that Not by Susan

What technology allowed for longer distance trade by land? What? Domesticated pack animals Horses, oxen, llamas, camels Example: Camels Originally a herd animal, it was domesticated in Middle Ease especially in incense trade Could travel long distances without the need to stop for water, making them the ideal animal for the Trans-Saharan trade routes. Extended scope and volume of trade Carried military supplies for the Assyrian armies under the command of Sargon II. These uses of the camel were made possible by the development of a saddle which allowed the animal to be loaded with much cargo. Camels could carry up to 50 percent more cargo than other pack animals, could go longer without water, and lived longer than most of them as well. How? Yokes, Saddles, Stirrups Examples: Stirrups (small ring or strap that holds feet of rider) and saddles (supports riders) Make it easier to travel longer distances more comfortably, with more control, and can carry more stuff Example: Yokes (wooden beam allowing animals to work together to carry or drag stuff)

What technology allowed for longer distance trade by sea? Lateen sail Triangular sail used heavily in Indian Ocean Trade Allows sailors to tack against wind Dhow ship Ships with one or more lateen sails used in Indian Ocean Trade Advanced knowledge of monsoon winds These winds follow constant patterns yearly

What else besides goods were traded along these networks of communication and exchange? New crops Rice from South and East Asia Especially with Buddhist monks (vegetarian, so this was their staple food)… “rice grows as long as Buddhism spreads” Cotton from South Asia to the Middle East CHAIN REACTION TIME! Spread of crops encouraged changes in farming and irrigation techniques Example: In Persia (Iran), you could plant barley and wheat in the fall. It would be dormant in winter, and then it would sprout in spring (avoiding the way too hot and dry summers) But cotton has to be a summer crop. So how can you plant it in a place that’s super dry? Qanat system! This provides a reliable supply of water and irrigation to arid and semi-arid areas

What else besides goods were traded along these networks of communication and exchange? Disease (smallpox, plague) In RomeIn China Belief systems Christianity It had become part of Roman Empire through Constantine Often blended into local customs/beliefs Examples: In Turkey, the cross was a charm that could bring good weather and ward of disease In some places in China, “Eight Cardinal Virtues” were preached; or The Way “The Dao” was Jesus Buddhism Two main sects emerged Theravada was more strict Mahayana was more relaxed, more worldly, and spread along Silk Road It spread in China after fall of Han dynasty, with some local kings/leaders using it to gain unity/control Transforms in China, blending with existing beliefs How do you blend idea of monks with filial piety (honoring one’s ancestors and family)? By saying that monks are generating karma for one’s family and ancestors! Dharma translates as “The Dao”

Spread of Christianity and Buddhism

What else besides goods were traded along these networks of communication and exchange? Belief systems Hinduism Remember that it had been #1 in India before Ashoka (who went all Buddhist on those Indians) But after Ashoka’s Mauryan Dynasty fell, the Guptas re-established Hinduism This new Hinduism, however, was focused less on the Brahmins being the sole religious authorities…. Now everyone could do their dharma by carrying out functions of their ordinary lives. There was more focus on Bhagavad Gita, and passages like this: Action alone should be your interest, Never its fruits. With discipline perform actions, Abandoning attachments, and indifferent to success or failure Hinduism becomes a lot more like Mayahana Buddhism (especially hard to tell the two apart with spread of Buddhism via trade)