1. Transregional Networks of Communication and Exchange in the Classical Age

2. 4 Major Trade Routes Mediterranean Indian Ocean Basin
Trans-Saharan Caravan Routes
Silk Road

3. The Mediterranean Persians, Greeks, Phoenecians, Romans
Maritime connection between Italy and Egypt important for Roman Empire (wheat from Egypt)
Ships with squared sails
War common in the seas because of limited space
Ports on Eastern Mediterranean tied with Eurasian Silk Roads

5. Indian Ocean Basin
Sea lanes in Indian Ocean more extensive but trade volume lower
Ability to sail long distances
Diasporic communities established because distances so far that traders and sailors less connected with home society
Less war because fewer ports

7. Trans-Saharan Caravan Routes
North-South trade in Nubia to connect Egypt with the South
Connected with Roman Empire: When Rome was strong they looked north and when Rome declined, they looked south
Caravan routes traveled by camels
Slavery was common

9. The Silk Roads of Eurasia
More than 4,000 miles long
2 eras of existence: 100 BCE – 900 CE and 1200s- 1600s
Overland transport longer but cheaper
Huge impact on transfer of technology, culture, and religion

11. “It’s all about the money, money, money…..”
1000 BCE first used in China
Made out of base metals
Would develop into primitive versions of round coins
Often had holes in the middle to put them on a chain
BCE
Metal coins thought to be used separately in each of the classical civilizations
Developed out of lumps of silver – so had more inherent value
Stamped with gods and emperors
When do we start using paper money???? Not until 806 in China!

12. Innovations in Transport
LAND TRAVEL
Domesticated Pack Animals
Horse, llama, camel
Stirrup- emerged in Central Asia and assisted in greater stability while riding hoses and camels
Yokes and collars- allowed animals to pull heavier loads
Pack saddles- also out of Central Asia enabled animals to carry more at a time
SEA TRAVEL
Galley – oared ship with squared sail – used in Mediterrean and too unsteady for open-water navigation
Dhow- used lateen sails that could handle stronger winds- used in the Red and Arabian Seas

13. We traded more than goods…..
Technology Transfer
People traded new ideas- especially related to agricultural output
Environmental impact
Crops moving from one place to another changes the environment
Spread of Diseases
Bubonic Plague from India to China by 600s CE and to the Eastern Roman Empire by 500s
Smallpox affected Roman and Han empires
Religious and Cultural Borrowing
Religions began to spread far beyond their origin
Buddhism to China
Christianity to Europe