Medieval trade routes

Medieval trade routes were networked pathways that connected Europe, Asia, and Africa, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. Major routes, like the Silk Road, spanned thousands of miles across deserts, mountains, and seas, enabling the trade of silk, spices, precious metals, and other valuable commodities. These routes often consisted of land routes overland and maritime routes across oceans and seas. Traders relied on caravans, ships, and market towns, with safety and local knowledge being crucial. They played a vital role in economic growth and cultural interaction during the Middle Ages.