Consumption and Exploration: Trade Connections between Europe and Asia

The global market is not new. Between the 2nd century BC and the 14th century AD, goods moved on land west, across Europe to the Middle East, and then through Asia on the Silk Road. Goods from Asia traveled east, on the same path, to Europe. By the 15th century, sea routes had become important. This suitcase traces the history of connections between Asia and Europe, focusing on issues of trade, cultural diffusion, colonialism, and globalization.