5 Trade with the Far East Products from the Far East, such as silk and spices, were highly valued in Europe. From the Middle Ages onwards, merchants in a number of Italian city-states, notably Genoa and Venice, (1) controlled this trade. Describe Europe's economy in the 15th century. What was the relationship between Europe and the Far East? Explain. Which social groups could buy the products from the Italian merchants? Which social group did the merchants belong to? Analyse. Do trade routes, such as the Silk Road, still exist today? Explain your answer. Interpret a 15th-century map In the 15th centur y, the European population was relatively familiar with Europe and the territories bordering the Mediterranean and Black Seas. (3) They also knew about the existence of India , China and Japan through traders, missionaries and travellers. Sub-Saharan Africa was not ver y well known . America , Oceania and Antarctica were completely unknown . B E A H I S T O R I A N Observe, describe and analyse Toscanelli's map. – When was the map made? Which territories, seas and oceans can you see? – Why are America, Oceania and Antarctica not shown? – Compare it with a modern-day map. What differences do you see in the shape of the continents? Find out who Toscanelli was and why he made this map. Where do you think he got the information to make it? Explain your answer. Your turn 3. World map made by Paolo dal Pozzo Toscanelli in 1474 K E Y Q U E S T I O N S Silk was produced in large quantities in China . It was carried along the Silk Road, a route that ran through Asia transporting silk and other products to the ports of the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean . Italian merchants bought the products at these ports and sold them in Europe, earning huge profits. Spices (pepper, cloves, cinnamon , etc.) were used to preser ve and season food . These spices were produced in India , Sri Lanka , the Moluccas and Celebes. They were shipped from various Indian ports and bought by Venetian merchants to be sold in Europe. 129
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