Long before European exploration, vibrant trade networks flourished worldwide. Precolonial Trade sheds light on these largely unacknowledged indigenous economic systems. These systems involved complex trade routes and diverse goods, challenging Eurocentric views of global economic history. For instance, archaeological findings reveal sophisticated trade beads and pottery, while oral histories and early writings help trace the movement of goods and ideas across continents.
The book examines precolonial trade routes and economic systems in regions like the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. It highlights the diverse forms of currency, credit, and social organization that governed trade in different regions. By focusing on indigenous traders' perspectives, the book offers a unique perspective on global economic history.
Beginning with an introduction to the theoretical framework, the book progresses through regional case studies, each chapter examining unique trade routes and goods. The conclusion synthesizes findings, comparing different regions and highlighting the lasting legacy of precolonial trade on contemporary societies.
