The Silk Road 300 BCE – 600 CE 1200 CE – 1400 CE
What was the Silk Road? An overland trade route linking China to the Mediterranean World. Travelled through China India Central Asia Ended in eastern part of Roman Empire
Cultural Diffusion East to West West to East Silk Spices Cotton Pearls Ivory Coral Ideas Buddhism Technology Glassware Jewelry Bronze goods Wool Linen Olive Oil Gold/Silver Ideas Technology
Travel Along the Silk Road From 300 BCE – 600 CE Silk Road protected by established powers Camel saddles improved efficiency Military protection From 600 CE – 1200 CE Major empires had collapsed Road was too dangerous Turned to maritime (sea) trade 1200 CE – 1400 CE Rise of the Mongol Empire Could protect the route again
Maritime Trade Increased in 600 CE Declined during 1200 CE – 1400 CE Improved technology, speed Declined during 1200 CE – 1400 CE Permanent switch from 1400 on
Maritime Trade Why the change? Cost Technology Speed Protection Trade along Silk Road resumed from 1200-1400 CE – Protected by the Mongol Empire
Trans-Saharan Trade Routes Developed slowly Southern Sahara traded salt for nuts, palm oil Norther Sahara traded animals (Rome), food Facilitated by Nomads (Berbers) Mali, Ghana, Songhay Became wealthy due to trade systems Islam spread through networks