Geography and Trade in Ancient China

Dry deserts to the north and west, Pacific Ocean to the east, Himalaya Mountains to the south

Rocky mountains to the north, Atlantic Ocean to the east, Sahara Desert to the south

Dense forests to the north, Indian Ocean to the east, Andes Mountains to the south

Flat plains to the north, Arctic Ocean to the east, Alps Mountains to the south

Yellow River

Yangtze River

Ganges River

Mekong River

To defend against Mongol invaders

To serve as a trade route

To mark the border of Ancient China

To store agricultural produce

Silk, teas, salt, sugar, porcelain, and spices

Cotton, ivory, wool, gold, and silver

Rice, millet, and wheat

Iron, coal, and timber

Spread of the bubonic plague to Europe

Loss of cultural identity

Decline in agricultural production

Overpopulation in trading cities