The Silk Road The most important trade network in human history?

Cultural Assimilation

“I feel blessed that the Silk Road produced such a fantastic mix of cultures—a beautiful gift to humankind.” – BRIGHT SHENG

Key Goals and Objectives In what ways was trade significant? How did it generate change within the societies that it connected? How did trade shape the structure of societies? What role should the state play in regulating trade?

Trade Networks and the Hellenistic Era Tempo of trade increased dramatically Risks of travel diminish thanks to road construction and other public works. Large imperial states provided significantly more protection than regional environments during the Classical Age.

Trade Networks Alexander of Macedon had the influence of facilitating a dramatic rise in commercial activity. Rulers throughout the world for their own benefit promoted trade—Seleucids as an example.

Maintaining Trade Necessary to oust pirates Maintain relationships with other states Public works to promote trade (Pharos of Alexandria) Understanding wind patterns-Ptolemaic and the Monsoons

What was traded? Spices from the Indian world Gemstones and precious metals from India Grain from the fertile crescent Mediterranean wares-olive oil and wine Slave trade began to accelerate throughout the world

Terms of Exchange Can you guess? What would the introduction of new crops mean to the lives of all people in the middle east and beyond? WordLanguageTranslation SukkarArabic???????????? QutnArabic???????????? Limun/LaimunPersian/Arabic???????????? NarangPersian???????????? SharabatArabic???????????? AspanakhPersian???????????? ArruzArabic???????????? Al-kharashokArabic????????????

Agricultural Changes Strategies like the Persian Qanat dramatically improved the quality of agriculture along the silk roads.

The Silk Roads Facilitated by the Han Empire They learned under Han Wudi the explosive power of international commerce. Linked Eurasia with Oriental World Chang’an through Taklamakan desert to the the West.

Silk Roads 200 B.C.E-300 C.E

Sea lanes on the Silk Road Primarily an overland trade route, it did have a maritime component linking China to the Red Sea! Some goods were more easily traded on land and by sea respectively.

Individual Travel on the Silk Road Most commerce was done by caravan. “One region over” Individual travel across the entire duration of the network was quite rare. Chinese and Central Asian nomads dominated the trade. Rarely did they precede beyond the Parthian dynasty.

Caravan Towns Caravanserais became hot spots of cultural diffusion. These towns became not only centers of rest and relaxation but also centers of commercial and mental exchange.

The Spread of Faith (200 BCE-400 CE

Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism has always had an appeal to a variety of classes for its egalitarian nature. Buddhist centers emerged on the silk roads and established a niche as “full service” centers. Providing rest, banking, lodging, and markets A faith with great appeal to merchants…particularly in China

Thought Question What accounted for the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Roads?

Buddhism in China Conflicted with Confucianism and Daoism Appealed to many in China, offended many. Its salvation component began to appeal to widespread Chinese during the 5 th century. A companion to Confucianism?

Spread of Hinduism Grew in strength in SE Asia Spread primarily by water trade routes Leaders in the region referred to themselves as Rajas

Spread of Christianity Under constant siege in Roman Empire Refusal to observe “Cult Roma” Took advantage of road travel of the day. Successful missionaries like Gregory the Wonderworker

Flourishing Christianity Began to spread and grow in Mediterranean basin Anatolia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and North Africa, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Gaul (France) Ascetic Christianity Heretic Christianity

Nestorian Christianity Greek Theologian Nestorius Represented the split in Christianity between European and Asian World Opposed to the divine nature of Jesus.

Manichaeism Devised from prophet Mani Spread very rapidly.

Tenets of Manichaeism Drew deep influence from Eastern faiths as well as Christianity. World was a battleground between light (good) and dark (evil) Saw a need for a prophet for all humanity. Syncretic faith blending Z, C, and B elements. Followers rejected earthly pleasures with entangled the spirit. Based on Zoroastrian beliefs of good and evil

Manichaeism Classes: Ascetic class known as the elect who abstained from most and were supported by “hearers”. Zealous missionary activities

Feeding of the elect

Decline Zoroastrian pressure Persecution from Rome for cult violations Relied on trade routes to survive

Disease Negative element of trade and trade routes Information on demographics difficult to find due to the age. Disease ravaged Roman and Han Empires. Smallpox and Measles led to sharp population declines (308) Led to a reduction in cross cultural trade, more regional trade.

The Indian Ocean Trade Basin

And on to India…