Tracing the Roots of Globalization and Business Principles

Chapter 5

The First Global Products

In the ancient world consumers shared similar material wants and needs, leading to the emergence of the first universal commodities. Most of these early common items like olive oil and salt were traded locally reaching their geographical zenith as they moved across neighboring regions. Others like incense and spices moved over contiguous intercontinental routes, further pushing out trade across the globe. Silk, perhaps the first global luxury product, fully united Europe and Asia and all regions in between. The commercial exchanges of these ancient consumer products acquired the roots of globalization and the principles applied in their international dealings helped form the platforms of conceptual business ...