Trade Networks in the Middle Ages, c. 1200

Illustration

by Simeon Netchev
published on 24 May 2022

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Trade Networks in the Middle Ages, c. 1200 — A map illustrating the interconnectivity and extent of the global trade networks at the onset of the 13th century after the centuries of decline and isolation following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The conditions were beginning to change, and trade between Christian and Muslim realms expanded (although still marred by a state of continuous hostilities), turning the Mediterranean once more into a bridge between the European West and the lands of North Africa and the Middle East. As Europe recovered from the destruction and mayhem of invasions and war, it had goods to sell - the export of cloth and metalworks could pay for imported silks, spices, and exotic goods from the Muslim world, Byzantine Empire, China, India, and beyond.

I would like to thank @Martin_Maansson for his extensive research, inspiration, and amazing map of the medieval trade routes.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. He believes every image should tell a story and invite interaction, while every map should lead on a journey — blending imagination with e

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Uploaded by Simeon Netchev, published on 24 May 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs. 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.

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External Links

Medieval Trade Routes Map

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Cite This Work

APA Style

Netchev, S. (2022, May 24). Trade Networks in the Middle Ages, c. 1200. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15923/trade-networks-in-the-middle-ages-c-1200/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Trade Networks in the Middle Ages, c. 1200." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified May 24, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15923/trade-networks-in-the-middle-ages-c-1200/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Trade Networks in the Middle Ages, c. 1200." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 24 May 2022, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15923/trade-networks-in-the-middle-ages-c-1200/. Web. 12 Jun 2025.