1. What features of the Arabian Peninsula gave Muslim merchants easy access to many parts of the world? Describe how each physical feature could help the Muslims to trade.

2. WATER=TRADEWATER=TRADE

4. People from Arabia worked in the caravan business. This means they traveled throughout Arabia and beyond trading goods The map above shows the trade routes in blue and red which indicate land and water trade routes.

5. The trade routes expanded over time.

6. As the trade routes expanded, so did Islam.

7. Major countries such as India and China exported pepper, spices, valued stones, fine cloth, and ceramics to the Muslims, in exchange for coral ivory, and textiles. The Vikings and the Russians also traded luxurious furs, slaves, and wax in exchange for Muslim-produced textiles and metal goods. Besides these valuables, the Arabs were famous for also exporting items such as war armaments such as guns, gunpowder, and cannons. Other Muslim traded items included refined sugar, pepper, and paper. COMPREHENSION CHECK: In what ways does trade help an empire, country, or group of people?

8. LISTENING CHECK Tell the person sitting beside you the geographical advantage that people living on the Arabian Peninsula have in terms of trade.

9. What is a merchant? A merchant is a trader that stays in as single location trading goods brought to them by traders. What role do you believe they had in the trading? What info do you think they discussed with the traders who came into town?

11. Write a summary paragraph explaining how both goods and religion (Islam) spread because of trade and the trade routes. Be specific! Be sure to use a topic and concluding sentence.