Premodern Trade in World History

'A fascinating and scholarly account of the growing importance of trade - from gift exchange and tribute to commercial exchange - from its beginnings among hunters and gatherers through the classical period of world history and beyond.'Steven Gosch, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA Trade and commerce are among the oldest, most pervasive, and most important of human activities, serving as engines for change in many other human endeavours.'trade and commerce are among the oldest, most pervasive, and most important of human activities, serving as engines for change in many other human endeavours.This far-reaching study examines the key theme of trading in world history, from the earliest signs of trade until the long-distance trade systems such as the famous Silk Road were firmly established. Beginning with a general background on the mechanism of trade, Richard L. Smith addresses such basic issues as how and why people trade, and what purpose trade serves. The book then traces the development of long-distance trade, from its beginnings in the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods through early river valley civilizations and the rise of great empires, to the evolution of vast trade systems that tied different zones together.Topics covered include: Products that were traded and why The relationship between political authorities and trade The rise and fall of Bronze Age commerce The development of a maritime system centered on the Indian Ocean stretching from the Mediterrranean to the South China Sea The integration of China into the world system and the creation of the Silk Road The transition to a modern commercial system. Complete with maps for clear visual illustration, this vital contribution to the study of World History brings the story of trade in the premodern period vividly to life.