13.3 Case Studies of Prehistoric and Early Historic Trade

Ancient trade networks shaped civilizations across the Old World and Americas. From the Silk Road to Mesoamerican markets, these connections facilitated exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, spurring cultural and economic development.

The Mediterranean became a hub of trade, fostering the growth of classical civilizations. Meanwhile, Viking expansion created extensive networks in Northern Europe, connecting diverse regions and cultures through maritime and overland routes.

Long-Distance Trade Networks in the Prehistoric Old World

Long-distance trade in prehistoric Old World

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• Silk Road trade network connected East Asia to the Mediterranean region
  • Enabled exchange of goods (silk textiles, ceramics, luxury items), ideas, and technologies across vast distances
  • Archaeological evidence of foreign materials and artifacts found far from their origins supports existence of this trade network
• Indian Ocean trade linked coastal regions of East Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India, and Southeast Asia
  • Seasonal monsoon winds facilitated maritime trade
  • Imported pottery, beads, and other artifacts discovered at coastal sites provide evidence for this trade network
• Spread of religious ideas (Buddhism) and artistic styles (Hellenistic art) across great distances indicates cultural exchange via trade networks
• Adoption of new technologies (iron metallurgy) and production methods through trade interactions

Trade and the Rise of Complex Societies in the Americas

Trade's role in complex societies

• Mesoamerica
  • Long-distance trade of valuable materials (obsidian, jade) led to development of market systems and merchant classes
  • Trade networks enabled diffusion of ideas (writing, calendar systems)
  • Control over trade routes and resources contributed to rise of powerful city-states (Teotihuacan, Maya centers)
• Andes region
  • Trade in exotic materials (spondylus shells, precious metals) across vast distances using llama caravans
  • Exchange of agricultural products between different ecological zones supported population growth
  • Trade and exchange played key role in emergence of complex polities (Moche, Wari)

Mediterranean Trade and Classical Civilizations

Mediterranean trade's impact on civilizations

• Phoenician trade networks established colonies and trading posts throughout the Mediterranean
  • Facilitated exchange of goods (purple dye, cedar wood, silver)
  • Spread cultural innovations (alphabetic writing)
• Greek colonization and trade fostered cultural exchange and diffusion of Greek language and ideas
  • Colonies established in Black Sea, southern Italy, and other regions
  • Trade in commodities (wine, olive oil, pottery)
• Roman trade networks spanned the Mediterranean and beyond
  • Imported luxury goods (silk, spices, precious stones)
  • Exported agricultural products, pottery, and manufactured goods
  • Trade enabled economic integration and cultural exchange within the Roman Empire

Viking Trade and Expansion

Significance of Viking trade expansion

• Extensive maritime trade networks throughout Northern Europe, Baltic Sea, and North Atlantic
  • Key trading centers (Hedeby, Birka, Staraya Ladoga)
• Overland trade routes connected Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire and Islamic world
• Exported goods
  • Furs
  • Honey
  • Amber
  • Slaves
• Imported luxury goods
  • Silk
  • Spices
  • Silver
• Vikings acted as intermediaries in trade between Northern Europe and the Middle East
• Viking trade stimulated economic growth and urban development in Europe
  • Introduction of new technologies (shipbuilding) and crafts (metalworking) through trade contacts
• Trade interactions facilitated spread of Christianity and integration of Scandinavia into medieval Europe