Birgitta Hoffmann
A series of lectures on the trade and exchange networks in Eurasia in the Neolithic and Bronze Age
By the Iron Age all over the world, humans are exchanging things – as tribute, as gifts, as taxes, or as trade and sometimes over very long distances indeed. But when does this start? We will be looking at evidence from Eurasia (and a bit of Africa) that allows us to trace the rise of exchanging things over long distances, and which substances are particularly of interest to the people then, and to archaeologists now. We will be talking about tin, amber, obsidian, spices, stones and dyes, amongst others, but we will also look at early records from Mesopotamia and elsewhere and discuss how we are able to determine what the character of the exchange is. How do you tell a gift from tribute, and how do you define real trade? Please note that all lectures will be recorded and distributed to the participants at the beginning of the next week. This should allow participants from different time zones, or those working to catch up with the lectures.
2 October: Where it all starts? Trade in the Palaeolithic?
9 October: Trading in stone I
16 October: Trading in stone II
23 October: Obsidian in raw material and as finished objects
Day: Thursdays Time: 2-4 pm BST
10 weeks starting 2 October 2025, with half-term on 30 October 2025
Virtual Learning Environment: Zoom
Single lecture:
| Price | Early Bird | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £12 | 8 | 50 |
Bookings for the whole series:
| Price | Early Bird | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £120 | £110 | 8 | 50 |
You can book this course through our online booking service.
Alternatively You can book via the MANCENT booking form and pay with cheque or contact Birgitta Hoffmann for the BACS details or a PayPal invoice or finally, through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/when-does-it-all-start-the-beginnings-of-long-distance-trade-tickets-1597255878329?aff=oddtdtcreator
Contact:
Birgitta Hoffmann
55 Broadwalk, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5PL
email: latinteacher@btinternet.com mobile: 07377 791562