Transregional Networks of Communication and Exchange in the Classical Age

4 Major Trade Routes Mediterranean Indian Ocean Basin Trans-Saharan Caravan Routes Silk Road

The Mediterranean 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

Indian Ocean Basin 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

Trans-Saharan Caravan Routes 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 camels Slavery was common

The Silk Roads of Eurasia More than 4,000 miles long 2 eras of existence: 100 BCE – 900 CE and 1200s- 1600s Overland transport longer but cheaper Huge impact on transfer of technology, culture, and religion

“It’s all about the money, money, money…..” 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!

Innovations in Transport LAND TRAVEL Domesticated Pack Animals Horse, llama, camel Stirrup- emerged in Central Asia and assisted in greater stability while riding hoses and camels Yokes and collars- allowed animals to pull heavier loads Pack saddles- also out of Central Asia enabled animals to carry more at a time SEA TRAVEL Galley – oared ship with squared sail – used in Mediterrean and too unsteady for open-water navigation Dhow- used lateen sails that could handle stronger winds- used in the Red and Arabian Seas

We traded more than goods….. Technology Transfer People traded new ideas- especially related to agricultural output Environmental 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