“Chapter 8 Learning Guide – Commerce and Culture”
“Main Idea 1 – Eurasia was home to one of the largest and extensive networks of trade throughout all of history. The most famous trade network was the Silk Road”
1. “Silk Road – Definition”:
• An ancient system of roads and trade routes throughout regions of Eurasia that connected the East and the West and were important in spreading culture and ideas.
2. “Why did the Silk Road begin where it did?”
• As empires expanded they needed paths to get messages around. People also needed to trade good with other people from far away so that they could sell to elites who wanted luxury goods, thus arising the need for a complex trade routes system that connected all of Eurasia
3. “Why are political
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Empires also helped unite regions with common currencies and economic policies, creating stability that furthered trade.
4. “How were goods transported along the Silk Road to sustain the networks of exchange among its diverse people?” (more than just using the camel)
• Through deserts and oases via camel caravans because camels were durable animals that could travel very far. Trade was connected though several different routes and goods were passed from one to the other.
5. “Why was silk such a desired commodity across Eurasia?”
• Silk was a symbol of high status in Asia and was greatly demanded by the elites who would pay a lot to get it. It showed prestige if you wore it at social gatherings.
6. “What are some theories on how the Silk making process left Asia?”
• An old story speaks of “a Chinese princess who snuck out silkworms in her turban when she was married off.” Another possible theory is that “Christian monks hid silkworms in bamboo canes and took them to Central
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“How did the plague affect China?”
• A death toll like the one in Europe affected China as well, leading to the power of the Mongols being undermined.
“Main Idea 2 – Indian Ocean trade connected distant people from Europe to Asia.”
1. “Indian Ocean Trade – Definition”: Before 1500 C.E., this was the largest sea-based system of travel and communication.
“Significance”: It was very important for developing sea travel and cultural exchange gobally.
2. “How were the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean trade similar?”
• Both connected the east and the west; spread cultures and luxury goods; mainly present in Eurasia.
3. “How did the transportation operation of the Indian Ocean trading network differ from that of the Silk Roads?”
• The Indian Ocean trading network used boats and was mostly sea-based, whereas the Silk Roads were land-based. Ships had more space and could travel more efficiently so they were more profitable, and they had a wider area of possible exchange.
4. “Monsoons – Definition”: Wind currents that alternated and blew east across the Indian Ocean during the summer and the opposite direction during the