The establishment of both overland and sea-routes of silk roads led to a great expansion of traded goods between the China and Mediterranean areas. What else did these regions exchange besides goods like silk and perfumes?
Of the many factors that explain the collapse of the Han and Roman empires, how important do you think the silk roads and their consequences were? In explaining the collapse of both empires, do you think internal or external problems were more important? Why?
What kinds of internal problems had greatly weakened the Roman Empire by the 3rd century C.E.?
What part might geography have played in controlling or moderating the spread of the Black Death?
What are some of the reactions that a fatal and indiscriminant killer, such as the Black Death, might provoke?
With some statistics suggesting that as much as fifty percent of Europe's population fell victim to the plague, what are the social implications that such a death toll might have?
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