earth and its peoples chapter 7
Networks of Communication and Exchange (Chapter 7) 300 BCE-600 BCE I. The Silk Road A. Origins and Operations -The Chinese General Zhang Jian is credited as ?originator of overland trade with the western lands.? He made 18 expeditions across deserts to west; he first went to Ferghana river-valley. Helped to introduce new plants and trees to China through the trade. - Long-distance trade was made important by China?s demand for western products. Nomadic steppe people didn?t trade very much but controlled areas of the Silk Road and sold pack animal?s that were necessary for early traders. -By 100 BCE, China could trade with civilizations as far away as Greece. -Everyone traded spices, fruits, seeds crops, metals, medicines, animals and animal products, and art. (ex: pottery)