CONTENT STATEMENT
- Trade routes connecting Africa, Europe and Asia helped foster the spread of ideas, technology, goods and major world religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism) that impacted the Eastern Hemisphere.
CONTENT ELABORATION
Trade routes connecting Africa, Asia and Europe not only provided an exchange of technology, but also helped spread religious ideas. Islam expanded as Muslim traders traveled along the Silk Road to Asia and along trade routes connected to African kingdoms. Christianity spread into Europe from the Middle East along the trade routes established by the Roman Empire, mainly through the network of roads built by the Romans. It also spread to China through the Silk Road, the major trade route connecting Europe and Asia. Traders from India spread Hinduism to southeast Asia (Indonesia). Judaism spread mostly because its followers were dispersed to areas controlled by the Roman Empire (Middle East, Europe, and North Africa). Buddhism spread throughout the eastern half of Asia through trade routes that evolved over time, including the Silk Road.
- Technology includes glass and paper making, the invention of the magnetic compass, and gunpowder.
- Goods include silk, gold, precious metals and stones, ivory, ornamental weapons, utensils, and textiles.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain how trade routes connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia fostered the spread of technology and major world religions.