EurasiaClassicalTradeRoutes

Eurasian Networks of Communication and Exchange: 

Eurasian Networks of Communication and Exchange ca. 300 B.C.E. – 1000 C.E. APWH

Part One: The Silk Roads: 

Part One: The Silk Roads

Map of Silk Road—note how the route from Xi’an splits to avoid the Taklamakan desert: 

Map of Silk Road—note how the route from Xi’an splits to avoid the Taklamakan desert Part 1: The Silk Road

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Part 1: The Silk Road

Origins and Operations: 

Origins and Operations Land routes that linked China to the Mediterranean world via Central Asia, Persia, and Arabia. Sea routes—South China Sea, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and Red Sea Origins linked to both geography and history Emerged from interaction between outer and inner Eurasia. Outer Eurasia—climate well-suited for farming, setting for growth of the first civilizations Inner Eurasia—harsh, dry climate; nomadic pastoralists Some scholars argue that network of exchanges between pastoralists of Central Asia and settled farming communities across the steppes occurred by 1500 BCE Ex: Scythian (Iranian nomadic herders) technology and design spread across the steppes during the first millennium BCE Part 1: The Silk Road

Silk Roads map with sea routes ca. 700 CE: 

Silk Roads map with sea routes ca. 700 CE

Origins and Operations: Han: 

Origins and Operations: Han 138 BCE-- Han emperor sent Zhang Qian and 100 soldiers out into the western steppes to try to forge a political alliance against the strong nomadic tribe, the Xiongnu , who posed a constant threat along the frontier While Qian was not successful with his mission, he did bring news back to the emperor about the goods (jade, grapes) and horses he encountered in the western lands, including Chinese silks that were traded Han officials now realized that a great deal of wealth could be made by controlling trade routes Han resolved to subdue the nomadic tribes and open up a sizable corridor to gain access to Bactria (location of Merv ) and western markets Part 1: The Silk Road

Origins and Operations: Stability in the Classical Era: 

Origins and Operations: Stability in the Classical Era As classical empires expanded---they provided the protection and stability that merchants and travelers needed to create an extensive network of trade routes linking Eurasia & north Africa Han empire maintained order in China, Parthian empire in Persia kept the Mesopotamian region stable, Rome brought order to the Mediterranean, regional state of Kushan kept order in northern India There was no single trade route; traders crossed Central Asia using several different branches of the Silk Road, passing through different oasis settlements. The routes all started from the capital in Chang’an (later Xi’an), headed up the Gansu corridor, and reached Dunhuang on the edge of the Taklimakan desert Merchants travelled in camel caravans (often at night to avoid heat)—oasis cities acted as rely exchange places for goods Part 1: The Silk Road

Map of Silk Road: 

Map of Silk Road Part 1: The Silk Road http ://intranet.dalton.org/groups/rome/RMap2.html-

Examples of Trade Goods : 

Examples of Trade Goods Generally—silk and spices travelled west from southeast Asia, India & China China—silk, ginger, paper, porcelain, iron tools Southeast Asia---cloves, nutmeg, cardamon Spices were used not only as flavor agents but also as drugs, perfumes, anesthetics, magical potions India—cotton, coral, pearls, ivory Central Asia and the Mediterranean lands exchanged a variety of manufactured goods for silk and spices Rome—glass, jewelry, bronze goods, wool and linen, gold and silver, olive oil, grapes Central Asia—jade, strong horses Some individuals made very long journeys during classical times searching for trading opportunities (ex. 166 CE Chinese sources report arrival of a delegation from Rome) Part 1: The Silk Road

Impact of the Silk Road Trade: Economic: 

Impact of the Silk Road Trade: Economic Spread of coins Spread of luxury items in Mediterranean region—especially silk—became a drain on Roman’s resources Silk became a source of currency in Central Asia and a sign of high status across Eurasia Sumptuary laws restricted the wearing of silk to upper classes Silks also became tied to the sacred—esp. for the production of liturgical cloths and vestments By 6 th c . CE—China’s loses monopoly on the production of silk (worms smuggled out by Christian monks ) Economic and social impacts in China—some peasants gave up farming to focus on producing trade goods Merchants could make personal fortunes Part 1: The Silk Road

Impact of the Silk Road Trade: Cultural: 

Impact of the Silk Road Trade: Cultural Spread of culture—even more important than the economic impact of long-distance trade Major example—spread of Buddhism into Central and East Asia (see Buddhism PPT ) Oasis towns such as Merv , Samarkand, Dunhuang —Buddhism took root, most inhabitants converted Doctrinal changes (growth of Mahayana Buddhism as a salvation religion, rejection of asceticism), many Buddhas and bodhisattvas, spread of artistic styles Buddhist monks traveled back and forth across the Silk Road. Many, like Xuanzang and Fa Xian, traveled from China to India in order to receive more accurate teachings about Buddhism from Buddhist monks and Buddhist scriptures in India Yoga and martial arts (karate, kung fu) spread as well (Buddhism’s focus on mind and body) Part 1: The Silk Road

Military Technologies: 

Military Technologies Central Asian military technologies like the stirrup were exported east and west . Military technology helped caravans safely cross the silk road and trade with many cities without having to fear of being ransacked by a group of bandits. Ex. chariot warfare and mounted bowmen. Stirrup--a solid bar then a loop of leather to support the rider’s big toe and a device of leather and metal or wood supporting the instep. This gave rider’s greater stability in the saddle. Stirrups allowed a mounted warrior to use a lance and not worry about being pushed of his mount--significantly impacted the conduct of war at this time . Part 1: The Silk Road

Disease in Transit : 

Disease in Transit Unexpected results of long-distance trade—spread of diseases had devastating consequences Athens in 5 th c . BCE—25% pop. died Smallpox and measles—serious outbreaks in Roman Empire and Han China Bubonic plague—534-750 CE—outbreaks across the Mediterranean Sea (black rats carried the disease on ships)—had impact on Byzantine Empire’s political goals Black Death-most serious example Over time—exposure gave Europeans some immunity to the Eurasian diseases Long-term outcome—spread of these diseases to the New World—devastated the Native American populations Part 1: The Silk Road

Part Two: Indian Ocean Maritime System: 

Part Two: Indian Ocean Maritime System

A. Introduction: 

A. Introduction Linked lands bordering the Indian Ocean basin and the South China Sea to eastern Africa Until the creation of a global oceanic system after 1500—Indian Ocean trade was the biggest network of sea routes and exchange Trade took place in 3 distinct regions: South China Sea Southeast Asia to the east coast of India West coast of India to the Persian Gulf and East Africa Part 2: Indian O. Maritime System

Origins of Contact and Trade: 

Origins of Contact and Trade Evidence of early trade between ancient Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley . Ancient Egyptians and the Phoenicians sailed the Red Sea for trade—did not venture into open seas Malay sailors (from present-day Indonesia) used canoes to cross the Indian Ocean by 300 BCE—settled on Madagascar (brought bananas, coconuts, musical instruments—all had impact on Africa)—spoke Austronesian language Indian Ocean trade, like Silk Roads, grew out of the environmental and cultural diversities of the region Strong desire for exotic goods Sea roads were less expensive than the Silk Roads—ships can carry a lot more cargo than a camel can Part 2: Indian O. Maritime System

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Made possible by and followed the patterns of seasonal changes in the monsoon winds. Sailing technology included lateen sail and new shipbuilding techniques crucial Classical era—Roman traders (Greeks, Jews, Syrians) established settlements in southern India By 100 CE—Chinese traders reached India by sea 2 nd c . CE---Indian settlements established throughout the Indian Ocean basin Because distances traveled were longer than those in the Mediterranean merchants often lived in urban centers strung out around the Indian basin—interchange of ideas, merchant culture Part 2: Indian O. Maritime System Development in Classical Era

Lateen Sail: 

Lateen Sail Part 2: Indian O. Maritime System

Sea routes: Exchange across the Indian Ocean : 

Sea routes: Exchange across the Indian Ocean Probably most important trade network Monsoon changes were crucial: Nov-Feb blew to SW April-Sept blew to NE Key was regularity Sea transport is cheaper So more bulk goods: textiles, pepper, timber, rice, sugar, wheat Trade was between towns and cities, not states

Cultural Impact of Indian Ocean Trade: 

Cultural Impact of Indian Ocean Trade Introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia Wide-spread dissemination of Indian culture (both Hindu and Buddhist) –especially had impact on Southeast Asia (ex. Buddhism in Java—Borobudur monument) Dominance of Islamic merchants and sailors after 700 CE—Islam was friendly to trade—conversion to Islam further stimulated long-distance trade Arab Empire rose and contained many different economies and cultures under one political system Jewsish merchants also established communities Part 2: Indian O. Maritime System

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Sea routes: Led to the creation of various states: Srivijaya civilization: Malay sailors gained control of the Straits of Malacca ca. 350 CE. Srivijaya came to dominate trade in this region from 670-1025 CE. Adopted Buddhism and became major center Swahili civilization: Grew from demand for East African products: gold, ivory, quartz, leopard skins, slaves, iron, wood Flourished 1000-1500 CE Very urban and city-state oriented Sharp class distinctions Most trade in Arab shipsGreat Arab and Muslim influence Trade for gold led to Great Zimbabwe, 1250-1350 CE

East Africa-- Swahili port cities: 

East Africa-- Swahili port cities

Part Three: Routes Across the Sahara: 

Part Three: Routes Across the Sahara

Early Saharan Cultures: 

Early Saharan Cultures Evidence of an early Saharan hunting culture that was later joined by cattle breeders who looked like contemporary West Africans. Artwork indicates that the cattle breeders were later succeeded by horse herders who drove chariots. Other artwork indicates that camel riders came after charioteers. Camel became central to the development of trans-Saharan trade. South to north diffusion of camel riding Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

Sahara Rock Wall Painting: 

Sahara Rock Wall Painting Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

Sahara Rock Wall Painting: 

Sahara Rock Wall Painting Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

Trade Across the Sahara: 

Trade Across the Sahara Developed slowly when 2 local trade systems linked. Southern Sahara had salt and exported to sub-Saharan regions for kola nuts and palm oil. Traders in north exported agricultural products and wild animals to Italy. Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Sand Roads: Exchange across the Sahara Commercial Beginnings in West Africa: North had manufactured goods, salt, horses, cloth, dates South had crops, gold, ivory, kola nuts, slaves Regular trans-Saharan commerce by 300-400 CE Huge caravans, up to 5000 camels Led to a number of states in western and central Sudan: Ghana, Mali, Songhay , Kanem , and Hausaland . Slaves came mostly from south, most sold in North Africa.

Camels—”ships of the desert” : 

Camels—”ships of the desert”

Invasion and Revolt: 

Invasion and Revolt When Rome declined and the Arabs invaded North Africa (mid-7 th century C.E.), trade of Algeria and Morocco was cut off. Berber people of these areas revolted against the Arabs in the 700s and established independent city- states Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

The Berbers: 

The Berbers After 740 the Berbers found that the southern nomads were getting gold dust from the Niger and other areas of West Africa in exchange for their salt. A pattern of trade then developed in which the Berbers of North Africa traded copper and manufactured goods to the nomads of the southern desert in return for gold. Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

Kingdom of Ghana: 

Kingdom of Ghana One of the early sub-Saharan beneficiaries of this new trans-Saharan trade. First description of kingdom is the eleventh century account by al-Bakri. Described a city of two towns, Muslim merchant town and capital of animist king and his court. After 1076, Ghana was weakened by invasion of Moroccan Almorovids. Even after Almorovid retreat, Ghana never recovered. Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

Kingdom of Ghana Bronze Sculpture: 

Kingdom of Ghana Bronze Sculpture Part 3: Routes Across the Sahara

PowerPoint Presentation: 

The Americas: Why did the Western Hemisphere produce a less extensive long-distance trading system than the Eastern Hemisphere?