​Trade-in Ancient World

​Unit 4, Lesson 2

What is a trade route?

• A trade route is a established road for breaking different items from one place to another.

• It can be by land or water.

• There are regular towns or stops along the way for travelers.

The Silk Road

• The Silk Road is a land route between Europe and China.

• It crossed deserts, mountains and flat plains.

• Many empires fought for control of these lucrative trade routes.

• Most travel was by camel or horse and they carried only lighter, expensive items.

Ancient Mesopotamia

The Land Between the Rivers

​​Ruled the land between the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf

​Ruled the Akkadian Empire from his city of Akkad.

• ​Akkadian Empire controlled northern Mesopotamia​

SCRIBES

• As Mesopotamians developed a writing system called scribes, or public writers, they became essential members of society.

• Scribes were in charge of writing everything down and keeping essential records.

Ancient Egypt 

​Egypt developed trade with numerous neighbors through its long history.

They imported oils, furniture, and weapons from the Nubians, opium figs, and grapes from Cypris.

The Ancient Phoenicians

​Exported the cedarwood and timber for architecture and shipbuilding.

The Phoenicians also ship dye, metalwork, and fine linen.​

Phoenicians needed to trade for silver because it was a resource they did NOT have in their own country.

Phoenicians use to make glass​ out of sand and trade too.

Trade-in Ancient Rome

​One fact that had a significant impact on trade was the system of grain fleets that carried grain from Egypt and North Africa to Rome to feed the capital population.