AP World HistoryPOD #3 – River Civilizations in Asia

Early Trade Routes

Class Discussion Questions

“Southeast Asia, 50-1025 C.E.” - Bulliet et. al., pp. 197-201

Southeast Asia Geography

Three Geographical Zones – Indochina Mainland, Malay Peninsula, thousands of islands extending on an east-west axis far out into the Pacific Ocean

Part of the ring of fire – zone of active volcanoes and earthquakes

Monsoon winds provide dependable rainfall throughout the year allowing for several growing cycles each year making the region capable of supporting a large human population

This region was influenced by the cultures of both India and China

Region rose to prominence and prosperity due its intermediate role in the trade exchanges between southern and eastern Asia

Silk Roads

Overland trade route connecting China, India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, Greece and Rome

Merchants did not travel from one end of the Road to the other but locally from town to town passing along goods

China exported luxury goods and earned great wealth in return

Rome imported such a large amount of Chinese goods that it led to the collapse of the Roman economy

There were periodic disruptions to this overland trade route

Sea Trade Routes

Periodic disruptions to overland trade across Asia increased the role and power of Southeast Asia as sea trade expanded to meet demand.

Benefited from physical location between the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean

Monsoon winds were used to drive trade

Cultural Diffusion

Trade routes brought Buddhism to the area as Indian missionaries and East Asian pilgrims pass through on their way to and from India