The story of trade between the East and the West is one of intrigue and power; even modest shifts in trade routes could lead to the collapse of an empire (and to the rise of another).

The world’s first East-West trade route was the overland Silk Road, which facilitated  the transportation of goods between Europe and China. This route was responsible, in large part, for the rise of Buddhism and Islam in East Asia and for the transmission of the art and architecture of these two religions.

Early global trade networks led to vast cultural, artistic and religious exchanges, which served as the underlying inspiration for many of the world’s greatest cultural landmarks.

Gradually, the Silk Road was replaced by maritime routes, which exploded following two paradigm-changing events: 1) Christopher Columbus’ successful crossing of the Atlantic to America in 1492 and 2) Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the first entirely sea-based route to the East in 1498. This new route shook up the world’s existing financial and trading networks, breaking the stranglehold on international trade enjoyed by the Venetians (Venice), Byzantines (Constantinople/Istanbul), Mamlukes (Cairo) and several Southeast Asia empires.

How to Use This Travel Guide

Our Approach Guide to East-West Trade Connections provides a clear and thoughtful overview of the historical, artistic and cultural connections that were a result of a unique global trade network. Travelers to Western Europe, Turkey, the Middle East or Asia (including Southeast Asia), will gain an understanding how each culture relates to another and the dramatic global consequences that resulted from local shifts in power.

Download a FREE PREVIEW (2 of 7 pages)

Price $4.99 (Format: PDF; available for immediate download)

Buy this guide on amazon.com. View it on your kindle, kindle for mac, kindle for windows, or kindle for iPhone.

All Approach Guides are offered as PDF files that can be downloaded and printed immediately after purchase.

Spices for Sale in a Market in Sana'a, Yemen