--- title: Map of the Mediterranean Trade Networks, c. 700–350 BCE: Commerce & Colonization in the Archaic and Classical Ages author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14421/map-of-the-mediterranean-trade-networks-c-700-350/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-09-27 --- # Map of the Mediterranean Trade Networks, c. 700–350 BCE: Commerce & Colonization in the Archaic and Classical Ages _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Mediterranean Trade Networks, c. 700–350 BCE: Commerce & Colonization in the Archaic and Classical Ages](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14421.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14421.png) ## Image Caption Between c. 700 and 350 BCE, the [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) formed part of a broad and increasingly interconnected system of maritime and overland exchange linking southern [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/), North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/), western Asia, the Black Sea, and regions beyond. Phoenician and later Carthaginian merchants connected the [Levant](https://www.worldhistory.org/levant/) and North Africa with [Iberia](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/iberia/) and the Atlantic approaches, while [Greek colonization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Colonization/) created networks of settlements and trading ports stretching from the western Mediterranean to the Black Sea. [Etruscan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Etruscan_Civilization/) communities, Persian imperial territories, and numerous local societies participated in these exchanges, while routes through [Arabia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Arabia/), northeast Africa, the Eurasian steppe, and across the Sahara connected Mediterranean markets to wider regional economies. Grain, wine, olive oil, metals, timber, textiles, ceramics, horses, slaves, incense, spices, ivory, [amber](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amber/), and prestige goods circulated through overlapping networks rather than through a single unified commercial system. [Trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) also acted as an important mechanism of cultural diffusion and political change. The movement of merchants, settlers, craftspeople, and intermediaries carried technologies, artistic styles, religious practices, alphabets, and ideas alongside material goods. Commercial opportunities encouraged [colonization](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/colonization/) and urban growth, while control of ports, straits, resources, and transport corridors contributed to competition among [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) [poleis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Polis/), Phoenician and Carthaginian communities, regional powers, and the [Persian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Persian_Empire/). #### 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. (2026, September 27). Map of the Mediterranean Trade Networks, c. 700–350 BCE: Commerce & Colonization in the Archaic and Classical Ages. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Mediterranean Trade Networks, c. 700–350 BCE: Commerce & Colonization in the Archaic and Classical Ages." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 27, 2026. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Mediterranean Trade Networks, c. 700–350 BCE: Commerce & Colonization in the Archaic and Classical Ages." *World History Encyclopedia*, 27 Sep 2026, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 27 September 2026. 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.