9781422281192

Caravan travel was extremely dangerous. Thieves lay in wait along the routes. If a traveler suffered a minor medical ailment, only crude treatment was available; the problem quickly could worsen and become life-threatening. Natural elements—droughts, blizzards, floods—killed many traders along the caravan routes. Scenes similar to the exchange in the caravanserai were common in different ancient cultures on different continents. Traders else- where hauled cargoes by rivers, lakes, and coastal waters as well as overland. In most scenarios, the distances were shorter than those tra- versed by caravans. The basic technique—transporting valuable com- modities between trading centers and exchanging goods at stops along the way—was common worldwide. Massive Cargoes, Faster Voyages It is January 31, 1858, and the people of London are in a fever of excitement. After almost four years under construction, the Great Eastern is about to be launched into the River Thames. Built of iron,

Words to Understand in This Chapter

caravanserai— an inn with stables where caravans traversing the Middle and Far East could stop to rest and engage in trade with travelers on cross routes. commodity— an agricultural, mining, or manufacturing product that can be bought and sold in local markets and in international trade. export— the shipment of products out of a country to buyers in other countries. magnate— a corporate leader who has become very powerful in a particular area of industry. trading partner— a person, company, or foreign government with whom regular trade takes place.

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The Global Community: Techniques and Strategies of Trade