Cities as Centers of Trade
The Basic Gist:
At this point in history, vast networks of trade have been established both within and between the 2nd wave civilizations we are dealing with (the classical civilizations of Eurasia as well as the Americas). An example of the extensive trade that has already been established before the emergence of these more developed Empires is the Silk Road across Asia into Europe and Africa. The extensive road systems in China that allowed for that respective economy to flourish would also serve as an example of trade established in the world before this time.
Cities formed as the result of individual, commercial, and government efforts to increase efficiency for trade (reducing both time and cost through various means). In addition to providing accommodations to traders, markets in which to promote and sell goods, and an environment in which cultures and political systems developed, cities also provided an abundance of marketplace competition.
Simple put, cities were caused by trade, as opposed to trade being caused by cities. As vast trade networks were established, cities were built to accommodate trading posts and make it easier and more efficient for traders to travel along the way. As civilizations turned into empires during the 2nd wave of civilization and trade became more extensive, the need for better accommodations along the way were needed. As people settled, new markets opened up, providing more opportunities for traders to promote their merchandise.
The reason for all of this lies in the value of trade, both within an empire’s borders and between different groups. It is extremely important for a nation’s success. Free trade allows economies to flourish. Nations that trade for mutual benefit become stronger on their own and together (depending on the nature of their relations, but trade between nations is done with the intent of mutual benefit).
Cities not only improved efficiency for trade, but were actually the direct result of trade among and within civilizations, not only within the 2nd wave civilizations discussed in Unit 2, but also within the 1st wave civilizations we already learned about. The only difference coming into 2nd wave civilizations was that Urbanization was at an all new level, on a higher scale in terms of the way cities were organized. Archaeological remains prove that cities were organized as center of trade (see Case Study).
Cities formed as the result of individual, commercial, and government efforts to increase efficiency for trade (reducing both time and cost through various means). In addition to providing accommodations to traders, markets in which to promote and sell goods, and an environment in which cultures and political systems developed, cities also provided an abundance of marketplace competition.
Simple put, cities were caused by trade, as opposed to trade being caused by cities. As vast trade networks were established, cities were built to accommodate trading posts and make it easier and more efficient for traders to travel along the way. As civilizations turned into empires during the 2nd wave of civilization and trade became more extensive, the need for better accommodations along the way were needed. As people settled, new markets opened up, providing more opportunities for traders to promote their merchandise.
The reason for all of this lies in the value of trade, both within an empire’s borders and between different groups. It is extremely important for a nation’s success. Free trade allows economies to flourish. Nations that trade for mutual benefit become stronger on their own and together (depending on the nature of their relations, but trade between nations is done with the intent of mutual benefit).
Cities not only improved efficiency for trade, but were actually the direct result of trade among and within civilizations, not only within the 2nd wave civilizations discussed in Unit 2, but also within the 1st wave civilizations we already learned about. The only difference coming into 2nd wave civilizations was that Urbanization was at an all new level, on a higher scale in terms of the way cities were organized. Archaeological remains prove that cities were organized as center of trade (see Case Study).
