Trade Routes Eurasian Silk Roads Connected large civilizations, pastoralists, and agriculturalists throughout Eurasia Products were made for sale in distant markets Chinese silk in Rome - seen as a symbol of wealth and status Most people would travel and trade only on specific parts of the Roads When large states were powerful and provided security, the Silk Roads prospered Han Dynasty 7th and 8th centuries in particular

Trade Routes Goods/things that were traded? From China: Silk, gunpowder, paper, mirrors Chinese women produced a significant amount of silk in their homes From India: Textiles, medicine, spices, pepper From the Middle East: Dates, nuts, dried fruit, swords From the Mediterranean: Gold, jewelry, perfume, olive oil Disease also spread on the Silk Roads Constantinople was a significant stop on the Roads

Silk Roads’ Impact On Cultures Buddhism spread from India to East Asia Sogdians - Central Asian people Translated Buddhist texts to Chinese Buddhist merchants built monasteries and temples As Buddhism spread, it changed as well Mahayana Buddhists saw Buddha as a deity Some elements of Zoroastrianism were included in Buddhist practices Fire-rituals

Trans-Saharan Caravan Routes Early centuries C.E. = introduction of camel from Arabia More favorable for desert travel - > can go ten days without water Goods that were traded: Ivory, nuts, slaves, gold, salt 1,000s of camels would travel at once Linked West Africa with North Africa and Europe

Trans-Saharan Caravan Routes New Saddles for camels: Behind the hump - easier to hold onto and ride On top of the hump - can see better, especially while fighting In front of the hump - better control of camel Saddle for carrying goods - transport more goods

Indian Ocean Sea Lanes Stretched from southern China to eastern Africa Costs were cheaper to ship than on Silk Roads -> ships had larger cargoes Sea Lanes = goods for mass market, Silk Roads = luxury goods Christianity spread to Southern India via merchants Islam spread as well in the 7th century via merchants

Indian Ocean Sea Lanes What allowed for this commerce? Monsoons During the summer months, the winds blew northeast, during the winter months, they blew southwest Technology: Astrolabe: Could calculate latitude New Ships: Junks - better stability

Mediterranean Sea Lanes Connected the Silk Roads to Europe and northern Africa Byzantine Empire flourished due to trade Constantinople’s location

Domesticated Animals In addition to camels, the following animals were used to help transport goods Ox: Can pull heavy loads Moves slower than other animals Horse: Found in many areas of the world Used in battle Llama: Found in the Americas Good traction for climbing mountains Cannot pull heavy loads

Quick Recap Types of goods traded on roads and lanes Spread and changes to Buddhism via the Silk Roads Syncretism Advantages of camels and other animals Technology/knowledge for sea lanes