14. Horses and the Development of Trade Routes
The domestication of horses dramatically expanded the reach of ancient trade networks. Horses enabled merchants and caravans to travel greater distances, crossing mountains and deserts with speed and reliability. Iconic trade routes like the Silk Road relied heavily on horses to connect East and West. This mobility fostered the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas. UNESCO notes that horses were vital in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the ancient world.
