Merchant colonies

Merchant colonies were settlements established by traders and merchants, often abroad or in distant regions, to facilitate commerce and trade. They served as hubs where goods, resources, and information could be exchanged, supported by infrastructure, security, and sometimes local governance. These colonies promoted economic expansion, cultural exchange, and the spread of products and ideas between different regions. They often acted as strategic points for controlling trade routes and boosting the merchant's influence in foreign markets, contributing significantly to the growth of global commerce and regional development.