Trade and Its Importance in North Mesopotamia (1900-612 B.C)

Abstract

Research Topic: Throughout its long history, Assyria played a significant role in the commercial life of the Ancient Near East since it was a main connecting link in the activity of trade exchange between Anatolia and the Mediterranean countries on the one hand, and central and southern Mesopotamia on the other. Trade routes which linked  the Mediterranean sea with the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian sea ran through this region as well as those which extended from the west of Assyria towards India and vice versa. Furthermore, Assyria was located on the land routes that connected  the North-East and the South-west. However, mountain ranges running on the north and the north-east posed serious difficulties to the merchants who took these routes.

Significance of the research: Ancient Near East, and particularly Mesopotamia, was where civilization emerged in the Prehistoric era. Numerous human groups from various cultural backgrounds immigrated into Mesopotamia given the regions’ features that were seldom available in other areas. Trade emporiums were set up as a result, and roads were paved, extending from Mesopotamia to western Asia Minor. Along these roads, trading caravans travelled to transport goods to Europe across the sea and came back loaded with them. Copper, gold, silver, precious stones, and wood were among the major goods carried back. These trading activities were practiced freely by the groups of the Mesopotamia society, especially the Assyrians who were at the forefront of northern Mesopotamia at the time.

Main Objective: Demonstrating the significant commercial role that Assyria played over centuries and the resultant economic and construction boom in the region.           

Research Methodology: Historical descriptive curriculum, which is hardly devoid of conclusions and analysis by relying on certain Assyrian monarchical texts.

Conclusions: Climate resulted in economy being fundamental to northern Mesopotamia (Assyria).The regions’ lack of natural resources to enhancing its relations with the nearby countries and kingdoms. Due to this lack, Assyria relied on trade to bring the needed resources from the countries in which they were available. Moreover, the region became a military zone, engaged in protecting its roads and caravans in the first place.