In the old days, trade routes were of great importance. They were a link for trade and allowed the cities and regions where they passed to be enriched, and also served as threads for cultural and religious ties. It was through these ways that people in the old days were able to exchange news and knowledge.
What is a trade route
In ancient times, trade routes were the only way for people to exchange goods. The fact is that in those days, travel was a great danger, and only together it was possible to travel more or less safely. The danger increased when it came to merchants, because the robbers were always happy to profit from the gold of merchants and resellers.
Therefore, in the period before the 10th century, routes began to be laid that remained unchanged for centuries. Thus, the Volga trade route became the first of the three most famous routes. The other two were the famous "From the Varangians to the Greeks", which connected Byzantium and the north, as well as the Great Silk Road, which led from Middle-earth to the east.
Which cities were part of the Volga trade route?List
The Volga trade route passed through many lands and tribes. The cities through which the wanderers traveled have long ceased to exist or have been renamed. In fact, the path was truly huge - it passed through the territory of 22 modern countries!
The Volga trade route began in the Netherlands, in the city of Dorestad, which no longer exists. It passed through Northern and Eastern Europe, Russia, and then the Middle East, and ended in the city of Tanja (modern Tangier), in Morocco. Among the most famous cities of the Volga route are such settlements as Antwerp, Hamburg, Cologne, Astrakhan, Sevastopol, Tbilisi, Yerevan, Istanbul and many others.
Note that the B altic-Volga trade route, as it is sometimes called differently, included both waterways (along the Volga, Black and Caspian Seas) and land routes.
What goods were carried along the Volga trade route
The main purpose of the ways in the old days is trade. The Volga trade route connected north with south, as well as Asia with Europe, so the goods that were transported along it were very diverse. So, exquisite fabrics, jewelry, fruits, glass and metal products were brought from the south. The northern peoples offered furs, metals and weapons, as well as walrus bones and skins, which surprised the rest of the tribes. Residents of Eastern Europe sold amber and jewelry made from it, furs, grain and ceramics on the way. The Volga tribes and Slavs traded cattle, furs,honey, ceramics, grain, flax, and also supplied weapons. Separately, it is worth mentioning the trade in Slavic women who were welcome guests in Arab harems.
In general, the slave trade was actively developing on the Volga route. This was connected with the era itself, because in those days wars were fought incessantly. The slave trade flourished especially in the port cities, where rowers were always needed.
Note that the farther the goods were taken, the more valuable it was. On the way, it could be bought up many times before things fell into the hands of the buyer. The most valuable on the way were female slaves. Men could be bought a little cheaper. Horses were already selling for half the price, and much cheaper goods followed.
History of the Volga trade route
In fact, the Volga route began its history in the 8th century BC. e. Archaeologists found evidence of the development of trade relations back in those days, however, of course, it is still very early to talk about the route itself, because in those days the connections were not very strong, since there was no particular need for them. Real trade begins to unfold only at the end of the 8th century. And already in the IX century. The Volga trade route is becoming the most developed of all.
This state of affairs continued until the 10th century, when the main trade moved to other routes. Historically, the Volga trade route did not always serve as a conduit for trade;warriors of individual tribes who robbed their neighbors.
At the end of the 10th century, the Khazar Khaganate, which occupied the entire south of the route, was suppressed by Kievan Rus. After that, the Pecheneg tribes finally blocked the road for travelers. Therefore, the main flow of trade has shifted to the path "From the Varangians to the Greeks".
