International Trade and the Beginning of the Great Silk Road

Abstract

From the earliest ancient times the states in and around Central Asia increasingly engaged in trade and in technological, cultural, political and dynastic exchanges. Very often these contacts started with gift exchanges or interdynastic marriages between rulers of neighboring states; they later extended to political alliances and commercial operations. Increasing specialization among the animal herders, settled farmers and craftsmen boosted productivity and stimulated barter exchange and trade at various levels. These developments led, as early as the sixth century b.c. to the consolidation of local and regional markets, and to the extension of neighborhood bazaars where local people freely bartered and traded various goods and products.