Silk Roads Trade Routes in 600-1450 PDF

This presentation was made by E. Adamson. Find more at www.theadamsonadventure.net Topic 2.1: The Silk Roads  Expansion and Intensification of Communication and Exchange Networks Although Afro-Eurasia and the Americas remained...

This presentation was made by E. Adamson. Find more at www.theadamsonadventure.net Topic 2.1: The Silk Roads  Expansion and Intensification of Communication and Exchange Networks Although Afro-Eurasia and the Americas remained separate from one another, this era witnessed a deepening and widening of old and new networks of human interaction within and across regions. The results were unprecedented concentrations of wealth and the intensification of cross-cultural exchanges. Innovations in transportation, state policies, and mercantile practices contributed to the expansion and development of commercial networks, which in turn served as conduits for cultural, technological, and biological diffusion within and between various societies. Pastoral or nomadic groups played a key role in creating and sustaining these networks. Expanding networks fostered greater interregional borrowing, while at the same time sustaining regional diversity. The prophet Muhammad promoted Islam, a new major monotheistic religion at the start of this period. It spread quickly through practices of trade, warfare, and diffusion characteristic of this period. The growth of interregional trade in luxury goods (Ex: silk and cotton textiles, porcelain, spices, slaves, precious metals/gems) was encouraged by significant innovations in previously existing transportation and commercial technologies, including: more sophisticated caravan organization caravanserai, camel saddles use of the compass, astrolabe, and larger ship designs in sea travel new forms of credit and monetization bills of exchange, credit, checks, banking houses Improved transportation technologies and commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade, and expanded the geographical range of existing and newly active trade networks. Existing trade routes flourished and promoted the growth of powerful new trading cities. (Examples of new trading cities: Novgorod, Timbuktu, Swahili city- states, Hangzhou, Calicut, Baghdad, Melaka, Venice, Tenochtitlan, Cahokia) Required examples of existing trade routes: The Silk Roads The Mediterranean Sea The Trans-Saharan The Indian Ocean basins Learning Objectiv e Explain the causes and effects of growth of networks of exchange after 1200 CE.  Historical Developments Improved commercial practices led to The growth of interregional trade in an increased volume of trade and luxury goods was encouraged by expanded the geographical range of innovations in previously existing existing trade routes--including the transportation and commercial Silk Roads--promoting the growth of technologies, including the powerful new trading cities. caravanserai, forms of credit, and Demand for luxury goods increased the development of money in Afro-Eurasia. Chinese, Persian, economies. and Indian artisans and merchants expanded their production of textiles and porcelains for export; manufacture of iron and steel expanded in China. Silk Roads area Silk Roads area Based on this map, what empires or states would have supported Silk Road trade during the 600 - 1450 time period?  Origins of the Silk Roads Silk Roads = one of the most extensive trade routes in history Began in Xi’an (ancient capital of Northern China) and terminated at Rome Encouraged trade and the spread of ideas and technological innovations (paper, the compass, gunpowder, etc) Turkish people who converted to Islam in the 7th century opened trade routes from China to the Middle East – Communities of Chinese Muslims (still there today) appeared in trading ports on the coast and along trade routes in NW China China exported silk and imported gold, horses, jade, wool, and Roman glass Tang dynasty increased maritime trade from port at Guangzhou  Pax Mongolica The Pax Mongolica, Latin for “Mongol peace,” was a period of stability in Eurasia under the Mongol Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries. Genghis Khan’s empire extended from the China’s Pacific coast to Eastern Europe. – The Silk Road network, which had been dangerous to travel due to the warring kingdoms along the route, fell completely under Mongol control. The stability brought by Mongol rule provided the safety and stability necessary to open open trade routes Spread of religions like Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism Established a “pony express” type of postal system that improved communication European travelers, such as the Venetian merchant Marco Polo, traveled to China – Polo went on to describe his experience in a text that captivated the European audiences Unfortunately also led to the spread of disease such as the plague in the 14th century.  Improved commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes-- including the Silk Roads--promoting the growth of powerful new trading cities.  Demand for luxury goods increased in Afro- Eurasia. Chinese, Persian, and Indian artisans and merchants expanded their production of textiles and porcelains for export; manufacture of iron and steel expanded in China.  Silk Roads Trade Region Products Contributed to Silk Road Commerce China Silk, bamboo, mirrors, paper, rhubarb, ginger, lacquer ware, chrysanthemums Forest lands of Furs, walrus tusks, amber, livestock, horses, falcons, hides, Siberia and copper vessels, tents, saddles, slaves grasslands of Central Asia India Cotton textiles, herbal medicine, previous stones, spices Middle East Dates, nuts, almonds, dried fruit, dyes, lapis lazuli, swords Mediterranean Gold coins, glassware, glazes, grapevines, jewelry, artworks, Basin perfume, wool & linen textiles, olive oil How is Silk Made?  Chinese Women & Silk Production China held a monopoly on silk production for thousands of years – Lost the monopoly around 500 CE (then Byzantines, Persians, Japanese, Persians, etc were producing silk) Became increasingly popular outside of China around 300 BCE Trade was in the hands of men, production in the hands of women Rural women were involved in every step of silk production – Tended mulberry trees (worms ate the leaves) – Unwound cocoons – Turned fibers into thread – Wove fibers into textiles Homes were the primary site of silk production with rural women as the main labor force By the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) women were making large contributions to the household economy and state due to the tax revenue they generated and paid  How did the silk industry contribute to women’s status in Chinese society?  The Role of Silk Elite Chinese women and men wanted this luxurious fabric Chinese officials used it to bribe “barbarian” invaders/steppe nomads from the north in exchange for horses Romans demanded silk from East Asia and cotton from India Used as a currency and means of accumulating wealth Byzantines and Chinese made laws restricting who could wear silk - only elites were allowed to wear it as a sign of social status Silks were given as gifts to Buddhist monasteries In Christendom it was used for altar decorations and priest vestments By 12th century (1100s) West African kings in Ghana were wearing silk Are there any items today that show status as much as silk did in the ancient world?  Historical Development Topic 2.1 Demand for luxury goods increased in Afro Eurasia. Chinese, Persian, and Indian artisans and merchants expanded their production of textiles and porcelains for export; manufacture of iron and steel expanded in China. Chinese Iron Industry Large and small-scale enterprises – Hundreds of workers, some with backyard furnaces By 11th century (1000s), it was providing the government with 32,000 suits of armor and 16 million iron arrowheads per year Also metal for: coins, tools, construction, and bells in Buddhist monasteries Industrial growth fueled by coal This image depicts the tribute system, where the steppe nomads are trading horses for agricultural goods and silk.  Caravans Became More Organized Caravanserai a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey Often had walled courtyards to offer protection and room for camels to rest Supported the flow of commerce, information, and people across the network of trade routes covering Asia, North Africa, and southeastern Europe, especially along the Silk Roads Camel Saddles Facilitated Trade  Stirrups Improved Trade & Warfare The stirrup was one of the milestones in saddle development. The first stirrup-like object was invented in India in the 2nd century BCE, and consisted of a simple leather strap in which the rider's toe was placed. It offered very little support, however. The nomadic tribes in northern China are thought to have been the inventors of the modern stirrup, but the first dependable representation of a rider with paired stirrups was found in China in a Jin Dynasty tomb of about 302 CE. The stirrup appeared to be in widespread use across China by 477 CE. which then spread to Europe. This invention gave great support for the rider, and was essential in later warfare. What developments (technological and otherwise) facilitated trade along the Silk Roads?  The “Pax Mongolica” or peace/stability created by the Mongol Empire helped facilitate these technological transfers! It is well to observe the force and virtue and consequence of discoveries. These are to be seen nowhere more clearly than those three which were unknown to the ancients [the Greeks], and of which the origin, though recent, is obscure and inglorious; namely printing, gunpowder, and the magnet. For these three have changed the whole face and stage of things throughout the world, the first in literature, the second in warfare, the third in navigation; whence have followed innumerable changes; insomuch that no empire, no sect, no star, seems to have exerted greater power and influence in human affairs than these three mechanical discoveries. Source: Francis Bacon, English philosopher, politician, and adviser to King James I, 1620  Significant Chinese Technological Innovations moveable type gunpowder magnetic compass paper moveable type  Western Access to Eastern Inventions Moveable type: Gunpowder: Johannes Gutenberg, a Gunpowder spread throughout German investor and craftsman, the 14th century thanks to Silk invented a method of printing Road trade and Pax Mongolica from movable type The hand-cannon or schioppi Used beginning c. 1440 was made in Italy Made books more widely Caught on initially in Eastern available Europe (Czech area) Ushered in an “information By the 15th century the revolution” and encouraged Ottomans were using firearms in higher literacy rates their regularly infantry  Dar al-Islam and China walked Humanism, so that Europe could run! Enlightenment Preservation of Greco-Roman philosophy and guns Europe literature medical advances gunpowder The Renaissance advances in astronomy China Magnetic compass Discovery of New World Dar al-Islam moveable type Scientific Revolution advances in mathematics printing press paper What technological transfers occurred along the Silk Roads during the 1200 - 1450 time period?  Buddhism and the Silk Roads More important than economic impact was their role as conduit (carrier) of culture Buddhism (from India) spread widely throughout Central and East Asia – thanks to merchants and missionaries on the Silk Roads Buddhism appealed to merchants who preferred its universal message to that of a Brahmin-dominated Hinduism that privileged the higher castes Buddhism and the Silk Roads To the west, Persian Zoroastrianism blocked the spread of Buddhism Buddhism changed as it spread Originally not focused on material wealth, the addition of wealthy merchants meant a shift in priorities Mahayana Buddhism flourished on the Silk Roads (popular b/c of emphasis of compassion, use of Bodhisattvas, & Buddha was seen as divine)  s p rea d in g ed i s m stopp t h i B ud d e st after strian W a to the tered Zoro n encou in Persia. s belief Buddhism Altered as it Spread  The Silk Road & Buddhist Monasteries Prosperous Buddhist merchants could earn religious merit by building monasteries and supporting monks Monasteries provided convenient and cultural familiar places of rest and resupply for merchants Many cities became cosmopolitan centers of learning and commerce In Sogdian city of Samarkand, use of Zoroastrian fire rituals became part of Buddhist practice Gods of many people along the silk road were incorporated into Buddhism as bodhisattvas (guides to Enlightenment)  Islam and the Silk Roads After the rise of Islam, the Silk Roads were extensively used by Muslims. Islamic merchants contributed significantly to the development of the Silk Roads, which led to an immense increase of commercial activities between China and the regions around the Persian Gulf. Iran played an important role as a centre of trade with Eastern countries, such as India and China. Islamic predominance in the East declined when the Europeans reached the Indian Ocean.  A Christian grave marker found in Kyrgyzstan with a Nestorian cross, lotus blossom (often associated with Buddhism), and a date that references the Chinese zodiac. Why is there a Christian gravestone in Central Asia with the Chinese Zodiac year on it? Source The Longmen Caves illustrate the spread of Buddhism into China via Silk Road trade.  Environmental Outcomes of Silk Road Trade Not just goods traveled along these trade routes – diseases traveled as well People were exposed to unfamiliar diseases for which they had little immunity Smallpox & measles devastated populations in both Rome and Han China contributing to their collapse c. 200 and 500 CE Diseases may have increased appeal of Christianity in Europe & Buddhism in China – both offer compassion in face of suffering The Black The Mongols unified much of the Eurasian landmass Death during the 13th and 14th centuries This intensive interaction facilitated the spread of diseases, most notoriously the Black Death Spread from China to Europe Between 1346-1348 around half the population died  Origins of the Black Death Originated in northeastern China around 1331 Reached Middle East and Western Europe by 1347 Reached East Africa in 1409 probably via Chinese maritime expeditions that crossed the Indian Ocean basin Caused massive casualties - population decline for over 100 years Death rates anywhere from 50%-90% of the population Recent study claims 50% of Europe’s population died during the initial outbreak of 1348-1350  Effects of the Plague Decline of urbanization and trade Ultimate demise of the Mongol empire 100 years after its creation Labor shortages – Allowed workers to obtain higher wages/better working conditions – May have created more opportunities for women Peasant revolts undermined serfdom and the feudal system – Collapse of feudalism and rise of absolute monarchs in the 1450-1750 time period Labor shortage may have fostered a greater interest in technological innovation to avoid paying higher wages – This may have contributed to the Industrial Revolution c. 1750  Effects of the Plague Disruption of Mongol-based land routes to the east and desire to avoid Muslim intermediaries gave Europeans an incentive to take to the sea – Wanted to reach the riches of the East, especially the Southeast Asian spice trade Europeans became the “new Mongols” in the Indian Ocean, connecting and facilitating trade in the 1450-1750 time period.  The growth of interregional trade in luxury goods was encouraged by innovations in previously existing transportation and commercial technologies, including the caravanserai, forms of credit, and the development of money economies. Barter to money economy  How would a money economy facilitate trade?  Money Economies The rise of money economies also led to the end of feudalism in Europe Land stopped being the only way to hold wealth which led to cracks in the feudal relationships of land for loyalty Increased demand for currency over agricultural surplus also led to greater demands from feudal lords, upsetting their peasants leading to uprisings The Black Death also helped end the feudal system, as demand for laborers was high and it gave bargaining rights to peasants and serfs Let’s Answer the Learning Objective: Explain the causes and effects of growth of networks of exchange (the Silk Roads) after 1200 CE. Causes of the growth of the Silk Roads Effects of the growth of the Silk Roads Bonus Content: Plague Primary Sources  Gabriele de Mussis – Origins of the Black Death (d. 1356) “When they returned to their own folk, these people speedily poisoned the whole family, and within three days the afflicted family would succumb to the dart of death. Mass funerals had to be held and there was not enough room to bury the growing numbers of dead. Priests and doctors, upon whom most of the care of the sick devolved, had their hands full in visiting and followed the dead immediately to the grave.” Gabriele de Mussis – Origins of the Black Death (d. 1356) “And when the sick are in the throes of death, they still called out piteously to their family and neighbors, ‘Come here. I’m thirsty, bring me a drink of water. I’m still alive. Don’t be frightened. Perhaps I won’t die. Please hold me tight, hug my wasted body. You ought to be holding me in your arms.’ At this, as everyone else kept their distance, somebody might take pity and leave a candle burning by the bed head as he fled. And when the victim had breathed his last, it was often the mother who shrouded her son and placed him in the coffin, or the husband who did the same for his wife, for everyone else refused to touch the dead body...”  Gabriele de Mussis – Origins of the Black Death (d. 1356) “Let all creation tremble with fear before the judgment of God. Let human frailty submit to its creator. May a greater grief be kindled in all hearts, and tears well up in all eyes as future ages hear what happened in this disaster. When one person lay sick in a house no one would come near. Even dear friends would hide themselves away, weeping. The physician would not visit. The priest, panic-stricken, administered the sacraments with fear and trembling.”  Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) The Plague in Florence “It did not take the form it had assumed in the East, where if anyone bled from the nose it was an obvious portent of certain death. On the contrary, its earliest symptom, in men and women alike, was the appearance of certain swellings in the groin or the armpit, some of which were egg- shaped whilst others were roughly the size of a the common apple... Later on, the symptoms of the disease changed, and many people began to find dark blotches and bruises on their arms, thighs, and other parts of the body... At all events, few of those who caught it ever recovered, and in most cases death occurred within three days from the appearance of the symptoms we have described, some people dying more rapidly than others, the majority without any fever or other complications.”  Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) The Plague in Florence “As a result of this wholesale desertion of the sick by neighbors, relatives, and friends, and in view of the scarcity of servants, there grew up a practice almost never previously heard of, whereby when a woman fell ill, no matter how gracious or beautiful or gently bred she might be, she raised no objection to being attended by a male servant, whether he was young or not. Nor did she have any scruples about showing him every part of her body as freely as she would have displayed it to a woman, provided that the nature of her infirmity required her to do so; and this explains why those women who recovered were possibly less chaste in the period that followed.”  Giovanni Boccaccio – Reactions to the Black Death Some thought a sober and abstemious lifestyle reduced the risk of infection. They formed groups and lived in isolation from everyone else. Others thought that drinking heavily and enjoying life to the fullest warded off the evil by going around “singing and merrymaking” and gratifying “all of one’s cravings whenever the opportunity offered, and shrug(ing) the whole thing off as one enormous joke.” Some ran away from the plague by abandoning their cities, their homes, their relatives, their estates, and their belongings and heading for the countryside. Giovanni Boccaccio – Reactions to the Black Death “In the face of so much affliction and misery, all respect for the laws of God and man had virtually broken down and been extinguished in our city. For like everybody else, those ministers and executors of the laws who were not either dead or ill were left with so few subordinates that they were unable to discharge any of their duties. Hence everyone was free to behave as he pleased.”  Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375) - The Plague in Florence “... But in the scattered hamlets and the countryside proper, the poor unfortunate peasants and their families had no physicians or servants whatever to assist them, and collapsed by the wayside, in their fields, and in their cottages at all hours of the day and night, dying more like animals than human beings. Like the townspeople , they too grew apathetic in their ways, disregarding their affairs, and neglected their possessions. Moreover, they all behaved as though each day was to be their last, and far from making provision for the future by tilling their lands, tending their flocks, and adding to their previous labors, they tried in every way they could think of to squander the assets already in their possession. Thus it came about that oxen, asses, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and even dogs (for all their deep fidelity to man) were driven away and allowed to roam freely through the fields, where the crops lay abandoned and had not even been reaped, let alone gathered in.”