Exploring Trade Networks: Silk Roads, Indian Ocean, and Trans-Saharan Routes

The video explores major trade routes in Afro-Eurasia from 1200-1450, focusing on the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean, and Trans-Saharan routes. It highlights the exchange of goods, cultural transformations, and the spread of religions like Buddhism. The Silk Roads facilitated luxury trade and cultural exchange, while the Indian Ocean routes enabled diverse trade due to maritime innovations. The Trans-Saharan routes connected North and West Africa, influencing political structures like the Kingdom of Mali. The video emphasizes the significant impact of these trade routes on historical developments.

What were the primary trade routes discussed in the video?

• The Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade, and Trans-Saharan routes

• The Pacific trade routes

• The Northern European trade circuits

• The Atlantic slave trade routes

Which commodity is the Silk Roads named after?

• Silk

• Tea

• Spices

• Gold

How did Buddhism change as it spread along the Silk Roads?

• It became less popular

• It incorporated elements of other religions

• It became more materialistic

• It remained unchanged

What was a major consequence of trade along the Silk Roads?

• Reduction in luxury goods

• Decrease in cultural exchanges

• Spread of diseases

• Economic decline

What made the Indian Ocean trade routes more diverse in goods compared to the Silk Roads?

• Lower transportation costs

• Faster travel times

• More dangerous routes

• Smaller trade volumes

Which innovation was not mentioned as part of the maritime advancements?

• Astrolabe

• Magnetic compass

• Steam engine

• Chinese junks

What kingdom rose to prominence due to its strategic location in Southeast Asia?

• Khmer Empire

• Chola Dynasty

• Srivijaya

• Majapahit

What was a major turning point in the history of the trans-Saharan trade routes?

• Use of the wheel

• Introduction of the Arabian camel

• Discovery of gold mines

• Construction of railroads

Which of the following was not a product traded from West Africa across the trans-Saharan routes?

• Grain crops

• Kola nuts

• Manufactured goods

• Salt

What was the social hierarchy in the Kingdom of Mali?

• Royalty, elite classes, merchants, military and religious folk, peasants, slaves

• Military at the top, followed by merchants

• A classless society

• Merchants at the top, followed by royalty