3.1 Expansion and Intensification of Communication and Exchange Networks

Period 3 – Regional and Transregional Interactions, c. 600 CE to c. 1450 CE

A deepening and widening of networks of human interaction within and across regions contributed to cultural, technological, and biological diffusion within and between various societies.

Although Afro–Eurasia and the Americas remained separate from one another, this era witnessed a deepening and widening of networks of human interaction within and across regions. The results were unprecedented concentrations of wealth and the intensification of cross-cultural exchanges. Innovations in transportation, state policies, and mercantile practices contributed to the expansion and development of commercial networks, which in turn served as conduits for cultural, technological, and biological diffusion within and between various societies. Pastoral or nomadic groups played a key role in creating and sustaining these networks. Expanding networks fostered greater interregional exchanges while at the same time sustaining regional diversity. Islam, a new monotheistic religion, spread quickly through practices of trade, warfare, and the diffusion that was characteristic of this period.

Key Concept 3.1.III.A added Sufis to existing merchants and missionaries

Illustrative examples, communication and exchange networks:

• Mississippi River Valley
• Mesoamerica
• Andes

llustrative examples, new forms of credit and money economies:

• Bills of exchange
• Credit
• Checks
• Banking houses
• Use of paper money

Illustrative examples, environmental knowledge and technological adaptations:

• The way Scandinavian Vikings used their longships to travel in coastal and open waters as well as in rivers and estuaries
• The way the Arabs and Berbers adapted camels to travel across and around the Sahara
• The way Central Asian pastoral groups used horses to travel in the steppes

Illustrative examples, diffusion of languages:

• The spread of Bantu languages
• The spread of Turkic and Arabic languages

Illustrative examples, travelers:

• Ibn Battuta,
• Marco Polo,
• Xuanzang

Illustrative examples, diffusion of literary, artistic, and cultural traditions:

• The spread of Christianity throughout Europe
• The influence of Neoconfucianism and Buddhism in East Asia
• The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism into Southeast Asia
• The spread of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia
• The influence of Toltec/Mexica and Inca traditions in Mesoamerica and Andean America

Illustrative examples, diffusion of crops:

• Bananas in Africa
• New rice varieties in East Asia
• The spread of cotton, sugar, and citrus