Nothing new under the Sun!

In my last blog, I finished up by mentioning two great civilizations, the Maya and the Roman Empire, which despite being highly sophisticated and thriving, fell into oblivion.

The reasons appeared to have been a  mixture of political, social, environmental and health events, causing the initial fragmentation and finally the total collapse of these powerful dynasties.

It highlights that it only needs a few unattended small leaks in a  boat, before it eventually sinks.

Ironically, it so happened that a new series was starting on TV last week which documented the current excavation and findings of the Roman Empire city of Pompeii, which was  engulfed by volcanic debris following the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD.

Over the years an enormous amount of excavation work has been carried out, and it is now possible to have a very clear picture of what life was like in that city almost 2000 years ago.

The results are quite staggering, as the city shows it had a thriving business community supporting all sorts of enterprises and services.

The range and types of buildings are beautifully made and have a high degree of sophistication in their construction.

As the debris and ash progressed with such speed, the population had no time to escape, but were struck down where they were, and have been incarcerated in the solidified ash ever since.

This has given a degree of preservation which has helped identify actual people, their characteristics and what they were doing at the time.

Recent findings have revealed even more details, with the programme highlighting a huge commercial building which seemed to be a large bakery with attached  living quarters.

Beautiful and extensive art work has been found on the walls of the dwelling, suggesting  the owner was someone of high status, hence the display of personal wealth.

The prosperity of the city and the flourishing businesses of merchants and professionals, relied on many less fortunate individuals, who filled positions as slaves and workers to keep the enormous success story going, until it was all shut down in a matter of hours.

This interesting information prompted me to look a little more closely at the history of trading in these times, and the many goods and skills which were perfected and exchanged within the city and beyond.

It didn`t stop at trading, for as varied groups of people from different countries met up and interacted with one and other, cultures, traditions and religions were all  put into the mix.

One of the best examples of this is a thoroughfare of routes which extended from China in the East to Europe in the West. 

The route crossed over and around  many countries, some of which are no longer identifiable, are amalgamated with others or renamed.

It became known as The Silk Road. 

At the time, China was the only producer of silk which was highly sought after by the West, so merchants would take quantities of this material and meet up with similar traders from the West who would offer an exchange of items ranging from horses to precious metals and crafted items.

This grew and grew with more items being added along  the Silk Road, and more countries taking part.

Over the years a complex system evolved where traders did not go the whole length of the road or route, but would have meeting points with other traders where exchanges would take place.

Accommodation and rest points were established, as the route was arduous with extreme heat and cold being experienced. Transportation was dependent on camels which needed rest, food and water, as did the traders.

The end result was that goods were successfully transported from East to West and from West to East allowing a huge interaction of cultures and  setting up of  businesses and trading posts along the way.

There were down sides of course, with cultural and religious flashpoints, often making it a dangerous place. Unfortunately many diseases were also passed on due to the contact between different countries.

However it was an extremely successful system, which allowed the exchange of goods and ideas to reach a very wide market.

Eventually, in order to explore new routes, merchants looked to the seas, and the next step was trading by ship, which reached a completely new world.

My understanding from my observations  is that in many ways there is really nothing new in the world.

No matter where one comes from, the fundamentals are much the same.

Everyone wants the basics of good health, food to eat, a home, an occupation, a family, safety and  peace.

 Humans are naturally ingenious, intelligent, adaptable and creative, but how these things develop  often depend on the throw of a dice.

Trading continues around the world today in many forms, but we can  see that  good health is not guaranteed, neither is a home or food to eat. Occupations are changing and many human skills and traditions are disappearing. Families can be wiped out due to conflict or disease, with safety and peace often feeling a million miles away. 

The balance of power on which so much depends, is a very fragile thing, and can come crashing down extremely quickly.

Perhaps if we have a look at the history of the Silk Road, which demonstrated creativity and  ingenuity between many cultures, we could learn a great deal.

Looking around the world, much of what was applicable 2000 years ago is still relevant today.