Essay Sample on Historical Trade Routes

Long-distance trade played a significant role in the economic, cultural, and religious exchanges that took place between Asia and the key centers of civilization in Europe. Most of the trade routes used during this period served as a link for merchants and other traders to transfer commodities such as foodstuffs, raw materials, and luxury goods to other regions (Petroccia 23). In this regard, the goods were transported along the spice and silk routes which acted as the main links between various ancient empires in the world (Grinin et al., 31). As a result, the cities along these routes became artistic and cultural centers where persons from different backgrounds would meet and intermingle. They also developed and became wealthy due to the long-distance trade. That is to say; the trade routes enhanced globalization by making it possible for individuals from different parts of the world to meet and exchange goods and services from one region to another.

The long-distance trade routes simplified trade between different countries and regions in the world. For instance, the Chinese traders were able to supply silk to West Asia and the Mediterranean world using the silk and spice routes which served as the key links for trade between these regions (Petroccia 23). In other words, the silk route was a network of roads in Eurasia connecting the Southern and Eastern Asia with the Mediterranean world (Mitchener, Kris, and Se Yan 132). On the other hand, the Arab traders brought myrrh and frankincense from South Arabia through the Incense route which connected the Southern, Eastern, and the Mediterranean world sources of spices, incenses, and other luxury goods.

Globalization is an aspect that has evolved over time. It refers to the integration of national economies into the international system through technology, trade, short-term capital flows, and direct foreign investment, just to mention (Grinin et al., 32). Studies have shown that there are various similarities and differences between modern globalization and the one that took place in the 8th and 9th century (Grinin et al., 34). In this case, both periods are characterized by free trade. In other words, free trade allowed countries and communities to share ideas and exchange goods and services in the 8th and 9th century. Additionally, it influences the flow of commodities through technology and the international markets in modern globalization (Petroccia 23). However, the main difference between the two phases of globalization is the presence of institutions and bodies that regulate international trade. In this regard, several entities and organizations such as the World Trade Organization and World Bank have been formed to facilitate trade in modern globalization which was uncommon in the 8th and 9th century.

In conclusion, long-distance trade was a common aspect in the 8th and 9th century. It was facilitated by trade routes which allowed traders to transport goods and services from various regions across the globe, thus contributing to the global economy. Examples of routes that were commonly used for trade include the silk and Incense routes. The silk route was commonly used by the Chinese traders to transport silk to West Asia and the Mediterranean region. On the other hand, the Incense route was used by Arab traders to enhance the myrrh and frankincense trade. One similarity between modern globalization and the one that took place in the 8th and 9th century is that both utilized free trade to facilitate the exchange of goods and services across the world. On the other hand, modern globalization is characterized by international bodies and organization that regulate global trade which was not a common feature in the 8th and 9th century.

Works Cited

Grinin, Leonid E., and Andrey V. Korotayev. "Globalization and the world system evolution." Evolution: Development within Big History, Evolutionary and World-System Paradigms (2013): 30-68.

Mitchener, Kris James, and Se Yan. "Globalization, trade, and wages: What does history tell us about China?." International Economic Review 55.1 (2014): 131-168.

Petroccia, Sara. "A Brief History of Globalization." Between Global and Local. Cultural changes (2017): 23.