Trade Routes and Empires Before the 1500s

Silk Road

Trade route connecting Mediterranean to China.

Sea Roads

Trade network linking East Africa to China.

Sand Roads

Trans-Saharan trade system between West Africa and North Africa.

Luxury Goods

High-value items traded along major routes.

Monsoons

Seasonal winds aiding navigation in Indian Ocean.

Relay Trade System

Goods passed through multiple intermediaries.

Caravan Diasporas

Merchant groups traveling and settling along trade routes.

Black Death

Pandemic spreading via trade routes, 1330s-50s.

Mongol Empire

Conquered vast territories, promoting trade and diplomacy.

Pax Mongolia

Period of peace facilitating trade under Mongol rule.

Delhi Sultanate

Muslim rule in India, center of Sea Roads.

Swahili City States

Coastal trade cities in East Africa.

Forced Migrations

Involuntary movement of people, often due to conflict.

Movement of Ideas

Exchange of technologies and philosophies via trade.

Gunpowder

Technology transferred from China to the Middle East.

Cultural Exchange

Spread of religions like Buddhism and Islam.

Sahara Desert

Barrier to invasion, facilitating trade connections.

Central Asian Cities

Urban centers developed around trade routes.

Aztec Empire

Mesoamerican civilization with limited trans-regional trade.

Mayan Civilization

Ancient culture in Mesoamerica with isolated trade.

Major Empires

Dominant powers like Song, Yuan, and Ming China.