1 history discussion post

Question

People and Goods on the Move: old trade networks as early globalization?
1. People in different ecological areas exchanging goods has long been a feature of human history. Different places—
coastal areas, mountains, islands, valleys—have different stuff and people often want things they don’t have! Because
stuff isn’t distributed evenly or available everywhere, people are motivated to go get what they want through trade.
2. With this in mind, we take a look at the connections forged in the Afro-Eurasian world of the medieval period
(between ~500 CE and ~1500, CE).
3. Here is a basic definition of globalization:
“Interdependence of the world’s economies signified by the circulation of information and ideas, money,
people and goods across national boundaries.”
4. Listed below are links to your sources—maps. Some are interactive—you will need to interact with them. Use these
sources to answer the following question in 400 words:
→ To what extent was the world “globalized” by the year 1000 C.E. and to what extent does a modern map
reflect medieval connections and economic hubs?

Some things you will want to consider:

a. Which areas of the world had the most connections? Which areas had the weakest connections?
b. How were people connected? (How did they get to the places?) (Maps 2,3, and 4)
c. What types of exchanges can you identify? Look at our definition above (Map 2)
information and ideas
money
people
goods
d. This will help with part 2 of the question: Take a look at the light pollution map (see map f), which is an indicator of economic activity in a given spot. Are the main routes and trading centers from the medieval
period the same if you compare maps? Significance of your answer? Think about giving a couple of good
examples. (use map 6 and 1)

Map Resources:

a. Medieval trade route networks (basic map)
b. Indian Ocean Trade Map [use medieval tab]
c. Stanford University Map – languages, routes, religions
d. The Silk Road (may need to right-click and copy link then paste into browser)
e. Advanced Map this map has a number of options on the left side. Click the appropriate boxes.
f. Light Pollution Map
4.) Respond to a classmate in 150 words

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