1. Global Trade Networks: Silk Roads, Sand Roads, and Sea Roads up to 600 CE
Wall painting of the marketplace, Pompeii

2. Development of the Silk Roads
Nomadic pastoral peoples facilitated trade
Sogdians, Parthians, Bactrians, Arabs
Advanced empires provided products and protection for merchants
Merchants developed into distinct social group
Primarily traded luxury goods
Small items with high value

3. Silk Roads Network of pathways and trading centers
Connected China, Central Asia, India, Middle East, and Europe
Declined with the collapse of classical civilizations

4. China Han Dynasty expanded into Central Asia
Traders began in Chang’an (Xi’an) and travelled westwards
Chinese traded silk for “heavenly horses” from Central Asia
Also traded porcelain, jade, lacquerware, paper
Zhang Qian departing Emperor Wu for his travels throughout Central Asia BCE, from cave murals ca CE

6. Silk Production in China
Silk spun as cocoon by bombyx moth after eating mulberry leaves

7. Silk Production Silk production was heavily-guarded secret
Silk production restricted to women
Initially only the emperor and dignitaries could wear silk

8. Caravans Camels can handle harsh mountains, steppes, deserts
Caravans provided protection for long-distance traders

9. Caravanserai Protection and resting stops for caravan traders
Provided water and fodder for animals
Baths, water for ritual cleansing

10. Caravanserai

11. Central Asia
Oasis trading centers developed into thriving commercial cities
Kashgar, Turfan, Khotan, Bukhara, Samarkand, Merv
Major conversion to Buddhism by 1st century CE
Construction of monasteries, sculptures, artwork
Merv Citadel; Bukhara

12. Dunhuang Caves
Complex of 492 caves showcasing Buddhist literature, artwork, sculptures

13. Dunhuang Caves

14. Persia and the Middle East
Parthian and Sassanian Empires acted as early intermediaries between Romans/Byzantines and Chinese/Indians
Ruins of Ctesiphon

15. Palmyra

16. Palmyra “Bride of the Desert”
Wealthy and important caravan resting stop
Link between Mediterranean ports and Persia

17. Antioch Vital western trading city on the Silk Roads
Goods were shipped to Rome or began the journey eastwards

18. Caravan Checkpoint
What types of goods were primarily traded along the Silk Roads?
How did merchants protect themselves as they traveled?
Did most merchants travel the entire length of the Silk Roads themselves?

19. Economic Exchange on the Silk Roads
Region
Products Contributed to Silk Road Commerce
China
Silk, bamboo, mirrors, gunpowder, paper, rhubarb, ginger, lacquerware, chrysanthemums
Siberian forests & Central Asian steppes
Furs, walrus tusks, amber, livestock, horses, falcons, hides, copper vessels, tents, saddles, slaves
India
Cotton textiles, herbal medicines, precious stones, spices
Middle East
Dates, nuts, almonds, dried fruit, dyes, lapis lazuli, swords
Mediterranean
Gold coins, glassware, glazes, grapes, jewelry, perfume, wool and linen textiles, olive oil

20. Spread of Religion Zoroastrianism to India
Buddhism to Central Asia, Southeast Asia, China
Hinduism to Southeast Asia
Christianity to Axum, India, China

21. Trade and Religion

22. Caravan Checkpoint
What spread along trade routes like the Silk Roads besides luxury goods?

23. Mediterranean Trade Roman Empire controlled the entire sea
Mare Nostrum
Ended threat of piracy
Romans and Greeks produced olives, grapes, wool

24. Galley First developed by the Phoenicians
Later used by Greeks and Romans
Multi-oared ships used for trade and warfare until the 19th century
Used either sails or rowing for propulsion

25. Sea Routes and Indian Ocean Trade

26. Indian Ocean Trade Monsoon winds provided reliable source of power
Blew eastward in the summer
Blew westward in the winter
Transportation costs were lower
Ships could carry larger and heavier cargo

28. India Roman sailors reached India by 1st century CE
Spices were prominent items traded
Cotton, pepper, cinnamon

29. Spices
Nutmeg and mace, cloves, pepper, cinnamon

30. Trans-Saharan Trade
Gold, copper, ivory, and slaves were exported for salt and textiles
Connected North Africa with West Africa

31. Trans-Saharan Trade Camels introduced from Arabia in 3rd century BCE
Replaced donkeys and horses after 300 CE