Explain what the Song and Tang Dynasties reveal about trade route patterns.
A. They demonstrate the superiority of sea trade over land trade.
B. They show that trade route patterns were forced to adapt in order to continue trade.
C. They reveal the importance of the Swahili Coast.
D. They reveal how trade patterns can depend on your neighbor.
B. They show that trade route patterns were forced to adapt in order to continue trade.
The Song and Tang Dynasties in China were characterized by flourishing trade and economic growth. During this time, trade route patterns had to adapt to various factors, such as political changes, geographic constraints, and the demands of different regions.
For example, the Silk Road was a major trade route during the Tang Dynasty, connecting China with Central Asia and Europe. However, with the collapse of the Tang Dynasty and the rise of Mongol power, the Silk Road became less safe for traders, leading to the adaptation of trade routes to bypass dangerous areas. In response to these challenges, sea trade routes also gained prominence during the Song Dynasty, particularly in the coastal regions of Southern China. This shift to maritime trade routes allowed for greater access to markets in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and even Africa, leading to increased cultural exchanges and economic growth.
Therefore, the Song and Tang Dynasties reveal that trade route patterns had to adapt and evolve to continue trade in the face of political, geographic, and economic changes.