Introduction to World History to 1600 - #14

[abe-no-seimei.livejournal.com]

Introduction to World History to 1600 (Terran)
Monday 1:00-3:00 pm

Looking refreshed and ready for class (as he always has), Seimei glided into class and sat upon his pillow at the table in front of the classroom. “I trust everyone enjoyed Homecoming and are sufficiently refreshed to start class anew.”

He gestured to the scroll that carried the day’s discussion question.

Discuss the most significant commodity carried by The Silk Road.

Comments

[sakuracchyan.livejournal.com]

Sakura wandered into class, and turned a few odd shades of salmon when Seimei mentioned Homecoming. Grumbling under her breath about something unintelligible (and probably better that way), she took a seat and copied the discussion question into a notebook. She stared at it, trying nine ways to sunday to get her mind to focus on it.

It wasn't working.

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

Silk was considered the most remarkable by the people of the West. After it became popular in Rome, the Romans also their own people out to explore the route, and to try to obtain silk at a lower price than that set by the Parthians, with whom they had originally traded. For this reason, the trade route to the East was seen by the Romans as a route for silk rather than the other goods that were traded. The name 'Silk Road' itself does not originate from the Romans, however, but is a nineteenth century term, coined by the German scholar, von Richthofen.

In addition to silk, the route carried many other precious commodities. Caravans heading towards China carried gold and other precious metals, ivory, precious stones, and glass, which was not manufactured in China until the fifth century. In the opposite direction furs, ceramics, jade, bronze objects, lacquer and iron were carried. Many of these goods were bartered for others along the way, and objects often changed hands several times.


* * *

After the class, Elizabeth heads to the front of the class. "Professor, is now a good time to talk to you about making up the classes I've missed through illness?"

[lisacuddy.livejournal.com]

"I agree with Liz on many points, her description of the trade route is valid. But I would argue the most significant commodity carried along this route was not silk and other goods, but religion. Buddhism came to China from India, along the northern branch of the route and Christianity also made an early appearance there."

[abe-no-seimei.livejournal.com]

Seimei waved his fan for Elizabeth to sit. "It appears you are feeling better now."


ooc: sorry for the delay. RL sucks sometimes...

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

Elizabeth sits down, with a smile. "Yes, thank you, sir."

[ooc: Not a problem. And tell me about it!]

[absolutesnark]

Piper wanders into class, listens to the discussion and takes notes.

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

Alanna sighed and began to take notes. "Something tells me silk is too obvious an answer." She muttered to herself.

[demonbelthazor]

Belthazor came into class and took his usual seat. He folded his arms across his desk and rested his head on them, paying vague attention.

[deirdreofamber.livejournal.com]

*takes notes about silk, spices, tea and other commodities traded*