Visual Source: Map of Eurasian Trade

European Exploration, Perception of the Other, and the Columbian Exchange

What factors contributed to the European interest in exploration?

This map shows trade routes, both overland and overseas, and the common trade items in each region during the fifteenth century.

. What items were traded between Asia and Europe?

Silk, drugs, gold and ivory.

Gold, slaves, rum, and spices.

Porcelain, spices, gems and silk

. What does the map suggest about how and where trade between Europe and Asia occurred before the Portuguese exploration?

It always was required to go around Africa in order to reach Europe.

Whether by land or sea routes it all went through the cities and ports of the Middle East before reaching Europe.

It only moved across land after the 1500s when the Portuguese discovered sea routes.

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