The Impact of Connectivity (1200-1450)

Introduction to Cultural Diffusion

• Cultural Diffusion: Exchange of ideas and cultural traits due to increasing connectivity among states.
• Connectivity led to a network of exchange where actions of one state affected others.

Influence of Merchants

• Merchants spread culture and technology as they traded.
• Cultural and technological exchanges affected both merchants and the regions they visited.

Key Categories of Transfers

1. Cultural Transfers

   • Spread of Belief Systems
     • Buddhism spread from India to East Asia via Silk Roads, leading to syncretism.
     • Chan Buddhism in China and Zen Buddhism in Japan.
   • Spread of Islam
     • Islam supported merchant activities; conversion brought inclusion into Islamic networks.
     • Swahili civilization adapted Islam, influencing their language (blend of Bantu and Arabic).

2. Literary and Artistic Transfers

   • Muslim scholars translated Greek and Roman works in Baghdad's House of Wisdom.
   • These works later influenced the European Renaissance.

3. Scientific and Technological Transfers

   • Chinese paper-making and movable type reached Europe by the 13th century.
   • Gunpowder technology spread by Mongols, adopted by Islamic and European states.

Rise and Fall of Cities

• Rise
  • Hangzhou, China: Grew with Grand Canal trade, leading to urbanization.
  • Samarkand and Kashgar: Grew due to strategic locations on Silk Roads, facilitating trade.
• Fall
  • Baghdad: Declined after Mongol sack in 1258, ending the Abbasid Empire.
  • Constantinople: Fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, renamed Istanbul.

Interregional Travel and Its Consequences

• Increased Safety: Thanks to Mongol protection of trade routes.
• Notable Travelers:
  1. Ibn Battuta: Moroccan Muslim scholar who traveled across Dar al-Islam.
     • Documented cultures and rulers, contributing to cultural understanding.
  2. Marco Polo: Italian traveler who documented his travels to China and the Indian Ocean.
     • His writings, although fantastical, were later confirmed by other travelers.
  3. Marjorie Kemp: Christian mystic who traveled to holy sites in Jerusalem, Rome, and Spain.
     • Her observations provided insights into cultural variations of Christianity.

Conclusion

• Networks of exchange had profound impacts on cultural diffusion, city development, and interregional travel.
• These exchanges laid the groundwork for significant historical and cultural shifts during and after the period.