13.3 Case Studies of Prehistoric and Early Historic Trade
3 min read•july 22, 2024
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 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
- 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 () and production methods through trade interactions
Trade and the Rise of Complex Societies in the Americas
Trade's role in complex societies
- Mesoamerica
- of valuable materials (, ) 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 (, )
- Andes region
- Trade in exotic materials (, 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 (, )
Mediterranean Trade and Classical Civilizations
Mediterranean trade's impact on civilizations
- established colonies and trading posts throughout the Mediterranean
- Facilitated exchange of goods (, , )
- Spread cultural innovations (alphabetic writing)
- 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 (, , pottery)
- spanned the Mediterranean and beyond
- Imported (silk, , )
- 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 (, , Staraya Ladoga)
- Overland trade routes connected Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire and Islamic world
- Exported goods
- Furs
- 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 and integration of Scandinavia into medieval Europe
Key Terms to Review (28)
Amber: Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been used for thousands of years as a material for jewelry, decoration, and trade. This organic material can preserve ancient life forms, making it significant for understanding ecological history and ancient trade routes, particularly in relation to the movement of valuable goods across regions.
Birka: Birka is an important Viking Age trading hub located on the island of Björkö in Sweden, recognized for its role in facilitating commerce and cultural exchange between the Scandinavian region and other parts of Europe and beyond. It was one of the earliest urban centers in Sweden, known for its diverse trade goods and connections to distant markets, highlighting the significance of trade in shaping early historic societies.
Cedar wood: Cedar wood is a type of softwood derived from cedar trees, known for its durability, resistance to decay, and aromatic properties. This wood has been highly valued since ancient times for construction, shipbuilding, and various artistic applications, particularly in trade during prehistoric and early historic periods.
Christianity: Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, which emerged in the 1st century CE in the Roman province of Judea. As it spread, Christianity influenced various cultures, economies, and trade networks, particularly during the early historic period when it became intertwined with commerce and social structures across regions.
Greek Colonization: Greek colonization refers to the establishment of Greek settlements across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions from the 8th to the 6th centuries BCE. This expansion was driven by various factors, including the search for arable land, trade opportunities, and the desire for political and economic autonomy. These colonies played a crucial role in spreading Greek culture, language, and trade networks throughout the ancient world.
Hedeby: Hedeby was a significant trading settlement located at the southern tip of the Jutland Peninsula in present-day Denmark, established around the 8th century. It served as a central hub for trade between Scandinavia and the broader European continent, playing a crucial role in the development of commerce during the Viking Age. The settlement is known for its bustling marketplace, where goods such as textiles, metals, and exotic items were exchanged, reflecting the interconnectedness of cultures at that time.
Honey: Honey is a sweet, viscous substance produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It has been used since ancient times as a food source and sweetener, playing a significant role in trade and cultural practices across various civilizations.
Indian Ocean Trade: Indian Ocean Trade refers to the extensive maritime trade networks that connected various civilizations across the Indian Ocean, facilitating the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas from ancient times through the early modern period. This trade network included merchants from regions such as East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, leading to significant cultural interactions and economic growth. The trade routes played a crucial role in shaping early civilizations and their relationships with one another.
Iron metallurgy: Iron metallurgy refers to the processes involved in extracting iron from its ores and transforming it into usable forms through smelting and forging. This technology significantly advanced human societies, enabling the production of stronger tools and weapons, which in turn facilitated trade and cultural exchange among prehistoric and early historic communities.
Jade: Jade is a precious stone that has been highly valued in many cultures, especially in East Asia and Mesoamerica, for its beauty and durability. It has been used for thousands of years to create tools, ornaments, and ceremonial objects, playing a significant role in trade networks during prehistoric and early historic times.
Long-distance trade: Long-distance trade refers to the exchange of goods and services across vast geographical areas, connecting distant communities and cultures. This form of trade played a crucial role in the economic and social development of prehistoric and early historic societies, facilitating not only the flow of commodities but also the transfer of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices between regions.
Luxury goods: Luxury goods are high-quality items that are often expensive and desired for their prestige and exclusivity. These goods signify wealth and status and often serve as symbols of power in societies. They can include various items such as fine jewelry, exquisite textiles, and high-end ceramics, which may play a role in ancient trade networks by indicating the flow of wealth and the connections between different cultures.
Maya centers: Maya centers refer to the significant urban centers of the ancient Maya civilization, which thrived in Mesoamerica from around 2000 BCE to 1500 CE. These centers were characterized by their impressive architecture, monumental constructions, and vibrant socio-economic activities, serving as hubs for trade, religion, and political power within the Maya world.
Mediterranean: The Mediterranean refers to a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Europe to the north, Africa to the south, and Asia to the east. It has historically served as a critical trade route, facilitating the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas among various civilizations throughout prehistoric and early historic times.
Moche: The Moche civilization was a pre-Columbian culture that flourished on the northern coast of Peru from about 100 to 800 CE. Known for their advanced agricultural techniques, monumental architecture, and intricate pottery, the Moche played a significant role in the development of trade networks in ancient South America.
Obsidian: Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly, resulting in a smooth, shiny surface. This unique material has been used by various cultures throughout history for making tools and decorative items, and its significance extends to understanding ancient trade networks and cultural exchanges. The presence of obsidian artifacts in archaeological sites can reveal important information about human behavior, resource acquisition, and the interconnectedness of prehistoric societies.
Olive oil: Olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from the fruit of the olive tree, primarily grown in the Mediterranean region. It has been a crucial commodity for trade and daily life since ancient times, symbolizing wealth and health, and playing an essential role in both culinary and ritual practices.
Phoenician Trade Networks: Phoenician trade networks refer to the extensive maritime and overland trade routes established by the ancient Phoenicians, a civilization known for their seafaring skills and commerce from around 1500 BCE to 300 BCE. These networks connected various regions of the Mediterranean, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, and played a significant role in the economic and cultural development of the ancient world.
Precious stones: Precious stones are rare, valuable gemstones that have been prized for their beauty, durability, and rarity throughout history. These stones, often used in jewelry and ornamentation, have played a significant role in trade, symbolizing wealth and status in various cultures and societies.
Purple dye: Purple dye is a colorant that was historically derived from certain species of mollusks, particularly the Murex snail, and was highly valued in ancient societies for its vibrant hue. Its production was labor-intensive and expensive, making purple garments a symbol of wealth and status among elites in various cultures.
Roman Trade Networks: Roman trade networks refer to the complex system of economic exchange that flourished across the Roman Empire, connecting distant regions through a network of land and maritime routes. These networks facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and culture, playing a crucial role in the integration of the vast territories under Roman control and shaping economic and social dynamics in both urban and rural settings.
Silver: Silver is a precious metal that has been used throughout history for currency, trade, and crafting jewelry and artifacts. Its high value and rarity made it a key component in trade networks, influencing economic and social interactions in prehistoric and early historic societies.
Slaves: Slaves are individuals who are considered property of another person and are forced to work without pay, often subjected to harsh treatment and denied personal freedoms. In various societies throughout history, slavery has played a critical role in labor systems and economic structures, particularly in the context of trade networks where human trafficking became a grim reality.
Spices: Spices are aromatic plant-derived substances used to flavor, preserve, and color food. Historically, spices held immense economic value and played a crucial role in prehistoric and early historic trade networks, driving exploration and cultural exchanges across continents.
Spondylus shells: Spondylus shells are the hard, protective outer coverings of marine mollusks belonging to the genus Spondylus, commonly known as thorny oysters. These shells were highly valued in prehistoric and early historic societies, serving not only as tools and ornaments but also as significant trade items, indicating complex trade networks and cultural exchange among various communities.
Teotihuacan: Teotihuacan was a major ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its impressive urban layout, monumental architecture, and as a significant cultural and economic center from around 100 BCE to 650 CE. The city's influence extended throughout Mesoamerica, making it a key player in prehistoric trade networks and a focal point for population movements across the region.
Wari: The Wari civilization was a major Andean culture that existed from around 600 to 1100 CE, primarily in what is now Peru. Known for its advanced urban planning, agricultural techniques, and extensive trade networks, the Wari were influential in shaping the region's social and economic landscape during the early historic period.
Wine: Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits, with its production dating back thousands of years. It has played a crucial role in various cultures, not only as a drink but also as a commodity in trade, often signifying wealth and social status throughout history.