Expansion of Interregional Trade and Exchange
- Between 1200 and 1500, expanding trade networks linked Europe, the Islamic world, India, and China through the Silk Road, Indian Ocean, and Trans-Saharan routes.
- Merchants from Venice, Cairo, and Samarkand exchanged goods such as silk, spices, gold, ivory, and textiles.
- The Mongol Empire and the Pax Mongolica (13th–14th centuries) made travel safer and revived long-distance trade.
- Missionaries and pilgrims also used these routes, spreading religions i.e. Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity and creating shared cultural contact zones.
Definition
Interregional Trade
- Exchange of goods and ideas across different regions or continents.
Travellers and Observers: Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo
Marco Polo (1254–1324)
- A Venetian merchant who traveled across Asia, reaching the court of Kublai Khan in China around 1275.
- His book, The Travels of Marco Polo, described the wealth, cities, and organization of the Yuan dynasty, shaping European understanding of Asia.
- Served briefly as a diplomat and observer, recording details of Mongol governance, postal systems, and trade networks.
- His writings stimulated later European exploration (Columbus carried a copy of Polo’s book).
Definition
Yuan Dynasty
- The Mongol dynasty in China founded by Kublai Khan (1271–1368).
Ibn Battuta (1304–1369)
- A Moroccan Muslim scholar who traveled over 120,000 km, visiting North Africa, Arabia, Persia, India, Central Asia, and China.
- His travels followed Dar al-Islam (the Islamic world), showcasing the unity and diversity of Muslim civilization.
- Recorded his journeys in the Rihla, offering insight into trade, religion, and daily life across the Afro-Eurasian world.
