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The Silk Road: Globalization and Trade
Sep 10, 2024
Crash Course: World History - The Silk Road
Introduction
Presenter:
John Green
Discussion on Silk Road, which is not a literal road nor solely about silk.
Example of globalization through a t-shirt's journey around the world.
Understanding the Silk Road
Not a Road:
A network of trade routes, including overland and sea paths.
Trade Routes:
Connects Eastern Mediterranean, Central Asia, and China.
Goods also traveled via the Mediterranean and Pacific Sea routes.
Trade Method:
Goods moved rather than people.
Traders operated in segments, selling to each other.
Goods and Trade
Silk as a Major Commodity:
Exclusive to China, used for clothes, fishing lines, and writing.
Silk signified wealth due to its lightweight and comfort.
Other Exports:
Mediterranean: Olives, olive oil, wine.
China: Jade, silver, iron.
India: Fine textiles.
East Africa: Ivory.
Arabia: Incense, spices.
Impact of the Silk Road
Economic Impact:
Influenced the lives of many involved in production and trade.
Spread of Ideas:
Buddhism spread along the Silk Road, particularly Mahayana Buddhism.
Mahayana Buddhism introduced divine aspects and multiple heavens.
Spread of Disease:
Enabled the transmission of diseases like measles, smallpox, and bubonic plague.
Nomadic Influence
Central Asian Nomads:
Skilled in trade due to mobility.
Resistance to diseases.
Formation of Empires:
The Yuezhi formed the Kushan Empire after migration.
The Kushan Empire became a hub for Silk Road trade.
Political and Social Impacts
Emergence of Merchant Class:
Trade allowed wealth accumulation outside of aristocracy.
Merchant class gained political influence.
Trade Cities:
Cities like Palmyra became rich due to trade.
Attempted silk bans by Roman Senate failed due to popularity.
Conclusion
Global Impact:
Silk Road affected rich and poor.
Demonstrated early globalization's benefits and threats.
Additional Notes
Upcoming topics include Julius Caesar.
Encouragement to interact via social media and merchandise availability.
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Full transcript