Migration in World History

Book excerpt: This book traces the connections among regions brought about by the movement of people, diseases, crops, technology and ideas. Drawing on examples from a wide range of geographical regions and thematic areas, noted world historian Patrick Manning guides the reader through the earliest human migrations, including the earliest hominids, their development and spread, and the controversy surrounding the rise of homo sapiens ; the rise and spread of major language groups ; an examination of civilizations, farmers and pastoralists from 3000 BCE to 500 CE ; trade patterns including the early Silk Road and maritime trade in the Mediterrane and more.