Introduction
The definition of trade as suggested by Cole and Symes is that it is an action that entails exchange of goods and services for cash, other related or unrelated goods, or even services (Cole & Symes, 2014).Cole and Symes (2014) also mentioned that even though trade plays a key role in the global economy today, the same cannot be said about the ancient times. Cole and Symes indicated that trade was far much less significant prior to agriculture (Cole & Symes, 2014). This therefore, is an indicator of the fact that trade has undergone a lot of evolution to be at the level it is at today. Examination of the history and evolution of trade is therefore crucial in developing a close understanding of the roles of trade to ancient civilizations, the society today, and even how it impacts civilization.
Evolution of Trade
According to Cole and Symes, trade could have begun following domestication of crops in Mesopotamia between 2350 and 2160 B.C.E (Cole & Symes, 2014). The Akkadians, who inhabited central Mesopotamia at the time are believed to be the first humans to conduct trade (Cole & Symes, 2014). They practiced a primitive form of trade that involved exchange of goods for goods, otherwise known as barter trade. From Mesopotamia, trade is believed to have spread to other ancient civilizations, for example, Egypt. As trade spread to other civilizations, humans saw the need to conduct trade in a more refined and definitive manner. It is believed that man then began using pearls and shells to buy goods, and at the same time, conducted barter trade (Cole & Symes, 2014). Later on, man would begin using gold bars as currency during transactions as in the case of Egypt and Mesopotamia before 700 B.C.E. A major breakthrough in trade happened between 700 and 500 B.C.E when metal coins were invented (Cole & Symes, 2014). Coins homogenized the conception of value, and in the process, remarkably simplified trade. Coins, unlike gold bars used before them, did not require weighing prior to every transaction (Cole & Symes, 2014). Regional trade was facilitated by the manufacture of silver and gold coins at around 500 B.C.E (Cole & Symes, 2014). Cole and Symes (2014) claim that the nitty-gritties of trade not undergone a lot of changes since the prehistoric times. Nevertheless, the duo hold that the way humans handle transactions has transformed a great deal (Cole & Symes, 2014). In the recent times, trade has changed from small businesses to large retail shops, department stores and malls (Cole & Symes, 2014). The biggest change in the recent times as far as trade is concerned is e-commerce that has greatly complemented brick and mortar stores (Cole & Symes, 2014). Other changes include incorporation of deliveries and credit facilities into trade (Cole & Symes, 2014).
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Roles of Trade in Ancient Civilizations
Trade served closely related roles in ancient civilizations. Humans traded between each other or across borders for what they did not produce or manufacture (Cole & Symes, 2014). Others were stimulated to participate in trade for the purpose of making profits, even though this came at a later date (Cole & Symes, 2014). Those who assumed the profit seeking route occasionally bought goods from suppliers at cut prices, later selling them at relatively higher prices, earning proceeds in the process (Cole& Symes, 2014). The items of trade however, varied from one kingdom to another (Cole & Symes, 2014). Additionally, trade also served some unique roles that varied from one civilization to another as discussed below.
Mesopotamia
The people of Mesopotamia originally traded agricultural produce amongst themselves (Cole & Symes, 2014). This was made possible by the fact that Southern Mesopotamia was more productive agriculturally compared to other regions within Mesopotamia (Cole & Symes, 2014). The Southerners cultivated fruits, vegetables, nuts, and also reared animals and kept fish (Cole & Symes, 2014. They traded these products and in turn, acquired metal ores, timber and reeds (Cole & Symes, 2014). The people of Mesopotamia also traded their produce, together with clay products and jewelry with the Assyrian traders and Persian neighbors in exchange for copper, tin, and fine textile (Cole & Symes, 2014). The trade between Mesopotamia and her neighbors helped foster unity and also created healthy dependency through specialization (Cole & Symes, 2014).
Kingdom of Egypt
The people of the New Kingdom of Egypt traded primarily traded grains and gold (Cole & Symes, 2014). Their lack of wood, precious stones, and metal meant that they opted to Romans, Syrians and Persians to source these items they did not have (Cole & Symes, 2014). The trade between the New Kingdom of Egypt brought about unique contributions. It enhanced civilization and led to urbanization (Cole & Symes, 2014). Cole and Symes (2014) related the development of ancient towns such as Wadi Hammammat to trade. The trade routes used by the traders would also be later upgraded to major road networks (Cole & Symes, 2014). In addition trade also led to emergence of several small sovereign kingdoms (Cole & Symes, 2014).
The Assyrian Empire
The Assyrians traded textiles, grains, tin and lead between themselves, and the people of Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Kayseri for stones and metals (Cole & Symes, 2014). They also obtained crop supplies from Mesopotamia since their land had little agricultural potential (Cole & Symes, 2014). The Assyrian people used the metals acquired in the trade to make weapons such as swords and shields, and tools such as hoes (Cole & Symes, 2014). The weapons were used during wars. The trade therefore, helped the Assyrians preserve and expand their territories by wading off rivals and defeating them during warfare (Cole & Symes, 2014).
Roman Empire
The people of the ancient Roman Empire were specialists in regional, inter-regional as well as international trade (Cole & Symes, 2014). They traded in olive oil, cereals and wine (Cole & Symes, 2014). They also exchanged pottery, glassware, animal products, textiles, wood, and prepared food for marble, precious metals and spices from Asia (Cole & Symes, 2014). Trade in the Roman Empire intensified slave trade and slavery. Trade also made the Roman Empire one of the strongest empires to ever exist. The Roman Empire trade also led to urbanization as urban centers grew out of trade routes, most notably along centers where transactions happened (Cole & Symes, 2014).
Impacts of Trade on Ancient Civilizations
Trade borne both positive and negative impacts on ancient civilizations. However, it is important to note that trade had more positive effects during prehistoric times compared to harmful effects (Cole & Symes, 2014). Some of the positive influences of trade include the fact that trade brought about urbanization (Cole & Symes, 2014). Ancient towns such as Malacca, Hangzhou, Aleppo and Merv developed along trade routes (Cole & Symes, 2014). Ports used during the ancient trade also transformed into cities, for example, the port of Cairo (Cole & Symes, 2014). Trade also impacted transport and infrastructure positively (Cole & Symes, 2014). Trade routes during the ancient times, for example, the Silk Road, would later be upgraded to form modern highways (Cole & Symes, 2014). Regarding infrastructure, the need to transport larger volumes of items of trade at a time led to discovery of ox-drawn cats, and trade ships (Cole & Symes, 2014). Ships were also invented to enable ancient men to conduct trade undeterred by water bodies. Finally, trade was responsible for emergence and growth of ancient kingdoms such as the Roman Empire (Cole & Symes, 2014).
Ancient civilizations also endured some harmful influences of trade. Trade enhanced warfare as empires sought to expand their territories and exercise full control of trade routes (Cole & Symes, 2014). Another negative consequence of trade is that it led to slavery and slave trade (Cole & Symes, 2014). This effect was far reaching, and the African continent was the most affected (Cole & Symes, 2014). Trade was also a contributing factor to colonization by the European nations (Cole & Symes, 2014).
How Trade During the Ancient Times Impacts Modern Life
According to Cole and Symes (2014), trade during the prehistoric times shaped the world into how we see it today. Some states were able to acquire wealth quicker than others, hence the difference in terms of economy strengths observed today (Cole & Symes, 2014). Trade also led to cross-cultural contacts (Cole & Symes, 2014). Today, the benefits of the contact is manifested in various ways. For example, through regional, inter-regional and international trade unions (Cole & Symes, 2014). The evolving nature of trade since the ancient times has also led to advancements in both transport and communication technology to address the demanding and shifting requirements of trade (Cole & Symes, 2014).
Conclusion
Trade as a practice has undergone several stages of evolution. The progression of trade from simple barter technique to e-commerce in the world today took several years. People during the ancient times traded so as to acquire what they were not able to produce due to geographical limitations. Later on, man began trading in the hunt for profits, and so is today. The roles and effects of trade throughout its period of evolution is impossible to underestimate. After an examination of the roles and impacts of trade during the prehistoric times however, it is undeniable to conclude that trade presented man with more opportunities and benefits, causing little harm in the process. As trade continues to advance, therefore, mankind should expect to benefit more, for example, more significant improvements in economies.
References
Cole, J., & Symes, C. (2014). Western civilizations: Their history and their culture. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
