Unit 2: Networks of Exchange, 1200-1450

"The whole empire of the Tartars is divided into a certain number of stages, and at each of these stages there is provided a sufficient number of horses to carry couriers and ambassadors. The riders go at full speed and carry only a little bell, and

"Kilwa is one of the most beautiful and well-constructed towns in the world. The whole of it is elegantly built. The roofs are built with mangrove poles. There is very much rain. The people are engaged in a holy war, for their country lies beside tha

"Along the road from China to the land of the Franks, one encounters many different peoples and faiths. The Nestorian Christians have churches in the cities of Samarkand and Kashgar. The Buddhists have great monasteries along the routes through Centr

"This man spread upon Cairo the flood of his generosity: there was no person, officer of the court, or holder of any office who did not receive a sum of gold from him. The people of Cairo made incalculable profits out of him.... So much gold was curr

"The treasure ships measured over four hundred feet in length and one hundred and sixty feet in breadth. The fleet numbered sixty-two ships, carrying a complement of 27,870 men. They sailed to the Western Ocean and visited more than thirty countries,