1. Cross-Cultural Exchanges on the Silk Roads
Chapter 12
Cross-Cultural Exchanges on the Silk Roads
By Connor Gulick

2. The Hellenistic Era
Many new colonies were created by Alexander and the Seluecid Emperors of Persia
Merchants and Bankers settled in these colonies
Long-distance land routes were maintained, linking Persia/Bactria to the Mediterranean basin
Egyptians built sea ports, such as Berenice and Alexandria
Ptolemaic Egyptians learned about monsoon winds, which allowed easier sailing/trade in the Indian Ocean
As a result of these changes, long-distance trade increased

3. Hellenistic Trade
From the Mediterranean: Wine, Jewelry, Art and Olive Oil
From Egypt and Persia: Grains
From Arabia: Spears, Axes and Knives
From India: Pearls, Gems, Spices and Cosmetics
From Africa: Tortoise Shells, Rhinoceros Horns, Ivory and Slaves

4. The Silk Roads
The Silk Roads were a series of trade routes that linked Eurasia together
Got their name because silk was the main export from the Han empire
These roads passed through many oasis towns and went from Chang’an, China, to cities in Persia, Iran and Rome
Sea routes also linked Guangzhou and the Asian seaboard to the Persian Gulf