Rise and Fall of Empires: Fortune Favours the Bold
Nicholas Holt—August 4, 2023
Chapter Two
Even brutal and warlike empires inadvertently fostered commerce, regardless of their intentions.
The Mongols were notorious for their brutal military conquests, often massacring entire populations of cities they conquered. However, in the thirteenth century, despite their violent tactics, the caravan trade between China and Europe thrived under their rule.
With the Mongol empire stretching from Peking to Hungary, the entire journey for traders fell within the territory of a single government, leading to a significant boost in commerce and prosperity.
The Caliphs of Baghdad achieved a unified trade bloc during the 8th and 9th centuries when their empire was at its peak. At that time, the Abbasid Caliphate controlled a vast territory that stretched from modern-day Spain to India, including parts of Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.
This vast territory enabled the caliphs to control and regulate trade, leading to a flourishing economy and the accumulation of immense wealth. However, over time, the caliphate's power declined, and its territories fragmented into separate entities.
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