The Mediterranean trade routes

The Mediterranean trade routes were ancient sea pathways connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, enabling the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. These routes mainly involved ships navigating the Mediterranean Sea, linking key commercial centers like Venice, Alexandria, and Constantinople. traders carried products such as spices, silk, wine, and metals, fostering economic growth and cultural interactions across civilizations. The routes were vital during periods like the Roman and Byzantine Empires and the Islamic Golden Age, shaping the development of societies around the Mediterranean basin. Their importance declined with the rise of Atlantic shipping and modern maritime technology.