5. What are some of the foundations of historic globalisation?Give and explain at least 3 foundations.

Historic globalization, the increasing interconnectedness of the world prior to the modern era, rested on several key foundations:<br /><br />1. **Trade Networks:** Extensive trade routes, both overland (like the Silk Road) and maritime (like the Indian Ocean trade routes), facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across vast distances. These networks connected different civilizations and empires, fostering economic interdependence and cultural diffusion. For example, the Silk Road facilitated the exchange of silk and porcelain from China for spices and other goods from the West, while the Indian Ocean trade routes connected East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, fostering the exchange of textiles, spices, and precious metals. These trade networks were crucial in spreading religious beliefs, technological innovations, and artistic styles.<br /><br />2. **Empires and Colonization:** The expansion of empires, such as the Roman, Mongol, and Ottoman empires, played a significant role in integrating different regions under a single political and economic system. These empires often facilitated trade within their territories, standardized weights and measures, and promoted the spread of a common language or culture. Later, European colonization, while often exploitative, further connected different parts of the world through trade, migration, and the imposition of European institutions. The exchange of goods, forced and voluntary migration, and the spread of European languages and cultures significantly impacted the colonized regions and shaped global interactions.<br /><br />3. **Technological Advancements:** Developments in navigation, shipbuilding, and cartography were essential for expanding trade and exploration. Improved ships, like the Chinese junk and later the European caravel, allowed for longer voyages and the transport of larger quantities of goods. The invention of the compass and astrolabe made navigation more accurate and reliable, enabling sailors to venture further from shore. The development of printing technology facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and ideas across wider audiences, contributing to intellectual and cultural exchange. For example, the printing press played a crucial role in spreading religious texts and scientific discoveries, further connecting different parts of the world.<br />