The Medieval World

Karen Kramer HAA198G

The Medieval World was connected through networks of trade and exchange that criss-crossed the African continent and extended across Europe and through Asia; Mesoamerican civilizations had active long-distance exchange networks and huge markets across Mexico and as far south as Panama. These merchants carried goods, ideas, and people in boats, by foot, and on animals. Religions spread, such as Buddhism from India to China, as seen in this Standing Boddhisattva figure, and proliferated, as evidenced in this exquisitely carved Virgin and Child which demonstrated access to wealth and the divine.

Luxury items like jade were highly sought after by Mayan rulers, as it symbolized, in part, precious falling rain, new life, and rejuvenation. Feathers, cacao, and honey were prestige items traded across Mesoamerica. Likewise, some of the most finely made objects used in the liturgical service of the church in the Medieval period in Europe used elephant ivory procured from Africa. The famed Silk Road in the Middle East and Asia was reopened during the Middle Ages, and traders also sailed across the Indian Ocean. Trade across the Mediterranean also occurred, connecting ports in Europe to Arab World, for spices, perfumes, leather goods, animal skins, jewels, and silk.