Bell Work Describe the Renaissance. Where did the Renaissance begin? Why? How did Muslim scholars influence the Renaissance?

7.45 Summarize the effects and implications of the reopening of the ancient Silk Road between Europe and China, including Marco Polo’s travels and the location of his routes.

Riches from Trade The Italian states gained wealth through trade. In addition to geography, two important events helped the Italians succeed in trade. One event was the crusades These conflicts brought Italian merchants into contact with Arab merchants in the Middle East. The second event was the reopening of the Silk Road

The Silk Road The Silk Road was a network of trade routes, formally established during the Han Dynasty of China, which linked regions of the Asian and European world in commerce- (system of buying and selling /trading) The Silk Road stretched from China to the Mediterranean Sea

Importance of the Silk Road Products traded along the Silk Road included silk, teas, spices, porcelain, gold, and silver. Many of the products traded were considered luxury items. The Silk Road also helped for ideas, culture, and inventions to spread across much of the settled world. What is the term for the spreading of cultural ideas?

The Reopening of the Silk Road When the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty fell, soldiers no longer protected travelers. How is this going to affect trade between Europe and China? The use of the Silk Road declined. BUT, In the 1200s Mongols took over China. They once again made the roads safer for travelers and traders.

The Effects of Reopening the Silk Road The Bad What occurred in the 1300’s that had devastating effects on Europe’s population? Expanded trade via the Silk Road helped to spread the bubonic plague The Good The reopening of the Silk Road made it easier and cheaper for caravans to carry goods. As more silk and spices were sent from Asia, the prices of these goods fell. How is this going to affect people in Europe? This meant that more Europeans could pay for these luxuries, and demand for these goods increased.

The man…the myth..the popular pool game…… Marco Polo Marco Polo (1254-1324) was a Venetian merchant believed to have journeyed across Asia via the Silk Road at the height of the Mongol Empire. Upon reaching China, Marco Polo entered the court of powerful Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, who dispatched him on trips to help administer the kingdom.

The Travels of Marco Polo After many years in Asia, Marco returned home to Venice, Italy. Polo might have been forgotten had his book, The Travels of Marco Polo, not engaged widespread interest.

With the help of notes taken during his adventures, Marco Polo reverently described Kublai Khan and his palaces, along with paper money, coal, postal service, eyeglasses and other innovations that had not yet appeared in Europe The book was written by romance writer Rustichello da Pisa when Marco Polo was imprisoned as a prisoner of war.

Travels of Marco Polo Impact Although his book fell under hard skepticism…. His stories about life in China amazed Europeans, which sparked curiosity of Asia and increased interest in Chinese goods. Also helped to inspire later generations of explorers. Christopher Columbus, carried a well-thumbed copy of the “The Travels of Marco Polo” on his voyages to the New World.

Excerpt from Travels of Marco Polo What do you think is the “Black stone” being referred to in the passage? ___________________________ 2. According to the excerpt, why would it be beneficial to burn the black stone over wood? 3. Why would Polo’s description of the “Black Stone” spark interest to the European’s reading his book?

1. What effect did the reopening of the silk road have on Europe? Directions: Answer these questions using 2-3 sentences. 1. What effect did the reopening of the silk road have on Europe? 2. How did Marco Polo contribute to the growth of European trade? 3. Using the map above, make 2-3 observations about Marco Polo’s route.

http://www.history.com/topics/exploration/marco-polo