Michael Scott on Classical Connections: Trade journeys

The video explores why Marco Polo is uniquely celebrated for his travels compared to other historical figures. It delves into the dynamics of the Silk Road, where goods were transported in a relay system by various traders, rather than by individuals traveling the entire route. The Parthians played a crucial role as middlemen, benefiting from this trade system. The video also addresses the challenges in historical records of such travels, suggesting that many sources remain undiscovered due to inaccessible regions. Finally, it highlights archaeological findings that provide insights into the organized trade systems of ancient times.

What challenges did traders face in the ancient world according to the text?

What evidence suggests that the ancient world was well organized in terms of trade?