---
title: Map of the Movement of "Tea" & "Cha" Around the Globe
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14112/map-of-the-movement-of-tea--cha-around-the-globe/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-06-13
---

# Map of the Movement of "Tea" & "Cha" Around the Globe

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Movement of "Tea" & "Cha" Around the Globe](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14112.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14112.png)

## Image Caption

This map illustrates the global spread of tea and its many names, tracing how two primary root words—“cha” and “te”—originated in [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/) and dispersed across cultures through [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/). The linguistic patterns reveal how tea’s journey followed both land routes like the [Silk Road](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silk_Road/) and maritime networks, particularly during the age of European exploration.

The term “cha” spread via overland trade, especially across Central Asia and the Islamic world, while “te” traveled with Dutch maritime merchants who introduced tea to [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/) in the 17th century. Interestingly, in regions where tea is indigenous, such as parts of South Asia and East [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/), local names for tea developed independently of Chinese influence. This map captures not just the commodity’s movement, but also how language traces its global path.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2022, April 14). Map of the Movement of "Tea" & "Cha" Around the Globe. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14112/map-of-the-movement-of-tea--cha-around-the-globe/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Movement of "Tea" & "Cha" Around the Globe." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 14, 2022. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14112/map-of-the-movement-of-tea--cha-around-the-globe/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Movement of "Tea" & "Cha" Around the Globe." *World History Encyclopedia*, 14 Apr 2022, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14112/map-of-the-movement-of-tea--cha-around-the-globe/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 14 April 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.