ABSTRACT

This book provides a fresh and unique global perspective on the study of caravans by bringing together a wealth of up-to-date research that explores the similarities and divergences of caravan lifeways in Africa, Eurasia, the Near East, Southwest Asia, Mesoamerica, and the Andes. The volume presents theoretical frameworks for caravan assessment and intercultural caravan crossings, pushing the boundaries of caravan route history and archaeology to consider the emergence, evolution, maintenance, and adaptations of caravans. Drawing from anthropological, archaeological, historical, geographical, economic, social, political, and art historical perspectives, the volume will be attractive to scholars of these disciplines and beyond who are interested in social issues embedded on trade, travel, and nomadism.

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chapter 1|16 pages

Early modern caravan networks in Afghanistan

A view from above

chapter 4|18 pages

Historic caravans in Tanzania

Toward reinvigorating multidisciplinary exploration

chapter 8|46 pages

The overland 'Great Silk Road': Myths and realities

(A politically incorrect paper on a politically correct subject)

chapter 9|16 pages

Birth and growth of medieval trans-Saharan trade in West Africa

The example of the Caravan City of Sijilmasa (Morocco)

chapter 11|15 pages

Maritime trails

The sea route from the Mediterranean to China in precolonial times

chapter 12|18 pages

Neither caravanners nor herders

Participation by the coastal and lowland peoples in the caravan network of the northern Atacama Desert, Chile, AD 1000–1535