Trade and markets in the early Near East

obsidian trade

Neolithic exchange network of volcanic glass used for tools sourced mainly from Anatolia

down-the-line trade

system where goods are passed gradually between neighbouring groups away from the source

reciprocity

exchange system based on balanced giving and delayed return creating social obligation

redistribution

system where central authority collects goods and redistributes them to dependents or workers

market exchange

form of trade based on agreed value in a designated place with relatively free exchange

obsidian sourcing

archaeological tracing of obsidian to specific volcanic source regions using chemical analysis

Neolithic exchange

early trade system characterised by low hierarchy and wide but simple distribution networks

copper metallurgy

early metal production using native copper for small tools and ornaments

native copper

naturally occurring metallic copper used in early Neolithic artefacts

arsenical copper

early alloy of copper and arsenic used to improve hardness of tools and weapons

tin bronze

alloy of copper and tin producing stronger metal used for prestige goods and weapons

Bronze Age trade

long-distance exchange system dominated by elite control of metals and luxury goods

prestige goods economy

system where rare items are controlled and distributed by elites for status and power

Dilmun

Gulf trading region acting as intermediary in Mesopotamian tin trade routes

Old Assyrian trade

merchant network linking Mesopotamia and Anatolia using trading colonies called karum

karum

Assyrian trading settlement established in foreign cities such as Kanesh in Anatolia

Kanesh

major Old Assyrian trading hub in central Anatolia (modern Kültepe)

down-the-line distribution

pattern where material decreases in quantity with distance from source

Hittite empire

Bronze Age Anatolian state controlling large areas and known for chariot warfare

Mitanni kingdom

Hurrian-speaking state in northern Near East that transmitted cultural and technological innovations

chariot warfare

Bronze Age military system using light horse-drawn chariots and composite bows

composite bow

powerful bow made from multiple materials used effectively from chariots

Uluburun shipwreck

Late Bronze Age ship carrying mixed cargo of metals, luxury goods, and raw materials

Amarna letters

diplomatic correspondence between Egypt and Levantine rulers revealing Bronze Age politics

prestige exchange

elite-driven trade aimed at status competition rather than profit maximisation

proto-currency silver

weighed silver used as standardized value medium without formal coinage system