Landhandelsrouten

The overregional, trans- or even intercontinental land trade routes of antiquity and the Middle Ages hold a certain fascination. They transported coveted goods such as silk, incense, and amber. However, along with the long-distance traders, new ideas, customs, and technological advancements also traveled, making these land trade routes vital connections between different cultural areas. For rulers, controlling these routes was not only lucrative due to the transfer of goods and culture but also of strategic interest. Trade routes could bring prosperity, but their decline could also trigger crises. Land trade routes have shaped our history on various levels. This volume highlights these diverse aspects through both well-known and lesser-known routes, providing region-specific insights into the organization, emergence, and economic conditions of each connection.