-
700 BCE
Trans-Saharan Trade
Trans Saharan trade existed before 700 BC but trade during that period increased due to the arrival of Muslim merchants. Africans traded with Arab and Berber salt, linen, paper , horses, things like gold, ivory, hides, and slaves. The use of camels was something which helped the Trans Saharan trade flourish. Camels replaced horses, and saddles were built for them to ride easier. Other traded items were metal and textiles, with the most common being gold. -
200 BCE
Indian Ocean Trade
Expanded trade in the Indian Ocean has been triggered by the spread of Islam, increased demand for specialized goods, and state expansion. Islam linked several cities by creating trading partners in East Africa, and parts of Asia. Muslims, the dominant explorers, played a significant role in shipping goods to port cities. As commerce grew, each area had something unique to offer. India traded fabrics, Malaysia/Indonesia were the spice islands. Slaves, ivory, and gold, came from Swahili cities. -
100 BCE
Silk Road
The Silk Road was a trading route that extended from places like Kashgar in western China, to Central Asia, India, and much more. The Silk Road golden age was characterized by the luxury goods that appealed to Chinese culture in the upper class. It came from Tang China: paper, the compass, and gunpowder. Silk, porcelain, and tea were exported from other areas of China while cotton, precious stones, and horses were imported. There were major cities and (inns) for travelers along the Silk Road. -
1206
Rise of the Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire was headed by an aggressive and ruthless leader, Genghis Khan. They began their conquest by challenging the Jin Empire which had conquered several places already. By 1227 the Mongolian Empire was entering eastern Persia from the North China Sea. His troops were trained and formidable under the guidance of Khans, who were highly disciplined and trained with the short bow. Batu carried out an assault on Russia in 1236, capturing small kingdoms and forcing them to pay tribute. -
1300
Impact of Culture
As a result of increased trade, new religions spread, and affected many cultures 'literary and artistic fields. It coexisted with the indigenous religions which shaped the period. The Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam were several religions that were added. The adoption of new religions has in some cases resulted in declining native religions. In other instances, people united by new religions became common. -
1330
Impact on the Environment
New crops were introduced on the agricultural sector, resulting in population growth and impacting on land use. Such items like champa rice (Vietnam) and bananas (Indonesia) were present. New farming techniques for cultivating crops were introduced as well. Pressure was placed on land due to overgrazing and environmental degradation, and population increases. Another drawback was disease transmission. From 1332 to 1351 about 200 million people were killed by the Bubonic plague.
