The course provides an overview of the production and commercial exchange of the main goods traded in premodern (and partly, modern) Eurasia, as well as the infrastructure used for this exchange. Through the study of relevant written, visual and archaeological sources, participants will gain insight into the significance, daily use and role of these products in local and long-distance trade across Eurasia. Topics covered will include cloth and textile trade, the trade in slaves as a commodity, agricultural commodities such as wine, grain, spices and livestock, paper, as well as various metal products and rare and luxury items. Discussions will also touch on general issues such as value, scale, cost, profit and the balance or imbalance of trade.
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