Chapter 8 ~ 10

It was fascinating to learn how the trade of goods first started and the effect it had on civilizations, both good and bad. Trading allowed for the interaction between different cultures, promoted specialism, and allowed mobility in the social ranks. The Silk Roads, a testament to the Chinese silk trade, were paths across the Asian continent connecting East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean region. The Silk Road trading was continual thrived as the interaction of various empires and dynasties increased. Disease become a factor with the exposure to civilizations and animals persisted.

The Sea Roads allowed civilizations to navigate the ocean winds and increase in size the amount of good being trade. With the increase in trade, wealth followed. As in most entrepreneurships weath obtained from this exchange led to the construction of states and cities. It also led to the cultural exchange of ideas, political ideas and religion.

Similiar the Sand Roads linked the peoples of North Africa and the Mediterranean with the peoples of West Africa. Transported by donkeys and camels were gold, ivory and even slaves. This exchange of goods changed and cultivated the civilizations associated with it.

China was a benefactor of Buddhism by way of the Silk Road trading network. Out if the oppressed came an appreciate of this foreign religion. Buddhism, however, faced enormous criticism and suppression. Notwithstanding, Buddhism did not go away. When Emperor Taiwu died his successor, Emperor Wencheng, ended the censorship and began a re-establishment of Buddhism.

I found the Byzantine Empire to be one of the most progressin in terms of art and architecture. The Byzantine Empire politically and culturally influenced other civilizations.

Learning more profoundly about the Crusades provided some history into President G.W. Bush's goof when he stated the invasion of Iraq was a crusade. I didn't realize that Muslims as well as Jews were murdered as a means to thwart the enemies of Christianity.