Trade Networks: Silk Road, Trans-Saharan, and Indian Ocean (Lecture Notes)

Flashcards covering key concepts from Silk Road, Trans-Saharan, and Indian Ocean trade, including routes, empires, technology, and cultural exchanges.

What was Pax Mongolica?

A period of peace and stability under Mongol rule that promoted trade.

What were the major land trade routes that connected Asia, Europe, and Africa?

The Silk Roads.

Who founded the Mongol Empire?

Genghis Khan.

What was Trans-Saharan trade?

Trade routes crossing the Sahara Desert linking West Africa with the Mediterranean world.

What is the Sea Roads in history?

The Indian Ocean trade network linking Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and China.

What was the Golden Horde?

The Mongol Khanate that ruled over Russia and parts of Eastern Europe.

What were caravanserai?

Roadside inns along trade routes for travelers and merchants.

What is a diaspora?

The dispersion of people from their homeland to various parts of the world.

What was 'flying cash'?

Early form of paper currency in China used to facilitate trade.

What were Latin sails?

Triangular sails that allowed ships to sail against the wind.

Who was Zheng He?

A Chinese Ming dynasty admiral who led large maritime expeditions in the early 15th century.

Name some goods traded along the Silk Road.

Silk, paper, textiles, spices, dates, dyes, glass, olive oil, and jewelry.

What were the monsoon winds and their role in trade?

Predictable seasonal winds that greatly facilitated Indian Ocean trade.

What was Srivijaya?

A Malay-led maritime empire that controlled the Strait of Malacca and linked China and India, attracting traders.

When did Swahili city-states emerge?

In the 8th century.

What goods did Swahili city-states trade?

Gold, ivory, quartz, leopard skins, and sometimes slaves; Islam linked traders and elites.

Which religion spread to West Africa through trade?

Islam.

Which religions spread to Southeast Asia via trade?

Buddhism and Hinduism.

What is the difference between land and sea trade routes in terms of goods?

Land-based Silk Road often moved silk, paper, textiles, spices, and luxury goods; sea routes moved bulk and luxury goods across longer distances.

What role did big states and empires play in trade networks?

They acted as anchors, providing stability and hub cities along routes.

Name three major trade networks discussed.

Silk Road (land), Trans-Saharan (desert), Indian Ocean/Sea Roads (sea).

What technology facilitated long-distance trade?

Improvements in sails (Latin sails), ships (Chinese junks, Arab dhows), and navigational tools (astrolabe, magnetic compass).

What goods were commonly transported via land-based Silk Road routes?

Silk, paper, textiles, spices, dyes, glass, jewelry, and other luxury goods.

What did the Silk Road spur in urban development?

Growth of new cities and the emergence of large urban centers along routes.

What was the Straits of Malacca's significance?

A key maritime chokepoint connecting China and India, crucial for Indian Ocean trade.

Who commissioned Zheng He's voyages and when?

Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty in the early 15th century.

Approximately how many ships were in Zheng He’s first voyage?

About 300 ships.

How many voyages did Zheng He undertake?

Six voyages over about 28 years.