Analyze the connection between religion and trade in Afro-Eurasia between the 13th and

16th centuries.

The time period between the 13th and 16th centuries in Afro-Eurasia is very important for world
history. Within this span of years major civilizations were growing larger, religions kept
spreading, there were various important technological innovations like gunpowder and paper,
and trade routes were expanding. When referring to trade in this span of years, there are three
major trading routes: the Silk Roads (connected China to Europe by passing through central
and south-west Asia), the Indian Ocean trade networks (connected East Asia with East Africa)
and the Trans-Saharan trade (located in North Africa). Major empires in the area include the
Mughals in South Asia, the Qing in China, the Mongols and Mali in West Africa. During the 13th
to 16th century trade routes located in Afro-Eurasia promoted the spread of religion as they
were the connection between empires.

Document three shows a map about North Africa during the time period, it features many of the
major African Empires and their leaders. It also shows the trading routes in the area, and the
trading objects used among the empires. The purpose of the map is to inform people about the
surrounding area for location purposes, while including the leaders and main characteristics of
the Empires. The Mali Empire, which replaced the Ghana Empire in the 13th century was very
important for the spread of Islam in Northern Africa, due to the wealthy rulers it had. Mansa
Musa, a Mali ruler in the 14th century is known for his giant voyage towards his pilgrimage to
Mecca through the Trans-Saharan trade routes. As he was ridiculously rich, he traveled with a
variety of camels carrying gold and hundreds of people. Merchants along the way spread his
message over the area. Mansa Musa was not only determined to complete his religious duty,
but to spread the Islam religion by calling attention and recruiting people that wanted to learn
more from the Prophet’s teachings. This leaders voyage is an example of the contribution of
trade (routes) to the spread of Islam in Africa between the 12th and 15th hundreds.

The Silk routes, controlled mainly by the Mongols, contributed to the exchange of valuable
objects, and the spread of religion between the 13th and 16th century. Document 2 explains a
talk between two christian monks who served the Mongol ruler, and Kublai Khan’s two
sons-in-law. The document explains the willingness of Kublai Khan’s sons to make healthy
connections with Western Empires for their voyage towards Jerusalem. This relates to the
tolerance and acceptance of different cultures and religions in the Mongol Empire and the Silk
routes. The Silkroutes became very popular in the 13th century, as it was controlled by one
gigantic, tolerant empire, which offered protection to merchants. Merchants were able to spread
religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Islam) while ensuring their safety. The Mongols benefitted from
this as they were able to exchange silk, porcelain, horses, etc for other valuable objects; they
also allowed the spread of different cultures and religions because they benefited by learning
from them. These characteristics led to the immense size of the Silk roads, which connected
some of the major western and Asian empires. The Silk roads, and the Mongol effective control
over it, led to safe trade, and the spread of religion from the 13th and 16th centuries.

During the 13th to 16th century trade routes located in Afro-Eurasia promoted the spread of
religion as they were the connection between empires.