Environmental Consequences of Trading Connections (1200-1450)

Overview

• Focus on agricultural transfers and the spread of diseases.
• Trade routes like the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade routes, and trans-Saharan trade facilitated the movement of people, goods, crops, and germs.

Agricultural Transfers

1. Bananas in Africa

   • Originally domesticated in Southeast Asia.
   • Introduced to Africa via merchants crossing the Indian Ocean.
   • Flourished in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to:
     • Expanded diets and population growth.
     • Enabled Bantu-speaking people to migrate, shifting from yam to banana as a staple food.

2. Champa Rice in East Asia

   • Originated from the Champa Kingdom in Vietnam.
   • Drought-resistant and fast-maturing, allowing multiple harvests per season.
   • Led to a population explosion in China.

3. Citrus Fruits in Europe and North Africa

   • Introduced by Muslim traders via Mediterranean trade routes.
   • Spread of sour oranges and limes improved diet variations and health.

Spread of Disease: Bubonic Plague

• Known as the Black Death.
• Spread via trade routes maintained under Pax Mongolica.
• Originated in northern China in 1331, spreading rapidly through the Silk Roads and Indian Ocean routes.
• Impact:
  • Middle East: Killed nearly a third of the population.
  • Europe: Killed half the population in some regions.

Conclusion

• The connectivity of various regions due to trade had significant agricultural and health consequences.
• Not only goods but also deadly diseases spread along trade routes.

Resources

• Additional videos and review guides available for further study.