Ancient Cities, Trade, and Roads. An Introduction

Abstract

This contribution estimates the findings, insights, and new perspectives regarding the main topics of the volume entitled Cities, Trade, and Roads. From the Mediterranean to Iran and the Indus Valley, includes contributions which offer new insights, evidence and perspectives on the urban centers, roads, and commerce from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, Sarmatia, India, and Ethiopia. Traders, trade routes, commercial networks, and hubs are an essential factor of interconnectivity in the ancient world, bridging distances and linking eastern and western cities, regions, and communities. The role of cities is crucial, as they were markets, commercial hubs, nodes and ports, cultic and political-administrative centers, and occasionally military bases. The investigation of their position in trade routes and economic networks can provide information on aspects of commerce, infrastructure, logistics, and geopolitics.