Unit 2

Networks of Exchange (1200-1450)

Refers to the interconnected systems of trade and cultural diffusion that expanded during the period from around 1200 to 1450, leading to the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies among various societies.

Silk Roads

A vast network of roads and trails that facilitated trade and cultural diffusion across Eurasia, mainly exchanging luxury items like silk, porcelain, and spices.

Caravanserai

Rest stops for traveling merchants along trade routes, providing safety, cultural exchange, and facilitating trade.

Money Economies

Systems where paper money and credit were used to facilitate trade, allowing merchants to deposit, withdraw, and exchange money in different locations.

Mongol Empire

A vast empire established by the Mongols in the 13th century, known for its military conquests, cultural exchanges, and economic advancements.

Indian Ocean Trade

A network of sea routes connecting states across Afro-Eurasia, promoting trade in goods like cotton, grains, and luxury items, facilitated by innovations in transportation and commercial practices.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes connecting North Africa with West Africa, known for the exchange of goods like gold, salt, and horses, facilitated by innovations in transportation and the growth of empires like Mali.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits, beliefs, and technologies through trade networks, leading to exchanges of ideas, religions, and artistic innovations among different societies.

Environmental Effects of Connectivity

The impact of trade routes on introducing new crops, agricultural transfers, and the diffusion of diseases, influencing population growth and dietary habits across regions.