The flourishing of Venice was dependent on its global connections through trade. In Venetian society, “trade was the very heart of the economy”, trade was what linked the world together and the extent to which Venice flourished in commerce was enormous . Venetian economic superiority through economic developments such as taxing trade helped Venice flourish. The crusades also led to Venetian prosperity, by aiding in the monopolising of trade routes. Economic developments occurred as a result ...

Valerie Hansen writes a comprehensive book on the Silk Road and the value of trade with a focus on the development of society and people in this ancient world. Hansen aims to, “sketch the main events in the history of each oasis community, describe the different groups who resided there and their cultural interactions, outline the nature of the trade, and ultimately tell the flesh and blood story of the Silk Road” . This review is going to focus on Hansen’s argument about the nature of tra...