Trade routes - Definition and Overview

A trade route is a commonly used path of travel for those (e.g. for a small group of merchants and their armed and logistical escort, or for a caravan or a flotilla) who frequently traverse between any major points of barter and commerce.

Which route is considered preferable (or not) for use by a given set of traders in a given historical period depends on a number of background factors, including an overall political and economic situation in areas to be crossed, travellers' mode of transport, their navigation skills and knowledge of geography (and weather patterns), as well as on the actual ease, speed, safety and profitability of such repeatedly taken journeys. Networks of trade routes and shipping routes have existed for many thousands of years in almost all parts of the planet, as they have been established across water (i.e. rivers, lakes, sea coasts, and oceans), land (i.e. trails, roads and canals), and since the early 20th century - air.

Example Usage of routes