Trade Networks

Why were trade routes important?

They spread goods, technology, religions, ideas, and diseases.

What did the Silk Roads connect?

East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

What did Indian Ocean trade connect?

East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

What did Mediterranean trade connect?

Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region.

What did trans-Saharan trade connect?

West Africa with North Africa.

What technology helped trade across the Sahara?

Camels and improved camel saddles.

What helped sailors travel across the Indian Ocean?

Knowledge of monsoon winds.

What did better ships help with?

Traveling across oceans and difficult winds.