Suppose you develop a map similar to the map shown with a legend showing the geographic origins of silk, spices, cotton, and porcelain. Where would these goods be placed on the map?

Answer 1

Silk: Silk originated in ancient China, so it would be placed in China on the map.

Spices: Spices have various origins depending on the type. For example, cinnamon and black pepper originated in India, cloves and nutmeg in Indonesia/Malaysia, turmeric in Southeast Asia, etc. Hence, different regions would be marked on the map to represent the geographic origins of various spices.

Cotton: Cotton also has multiple origins, but its cultivation is believed to have begun in the Indus Valley region (present-day India and Pakistan). Therefore, it would be placed in that area on the map.

Porcelain: Porcelain is famous for its origins in China, particularly during the Song Dynasty. Therefore, it would be placed in China on the map.

It's important to note that these goods have historical origins, and their respective production or trade may have expanded to different regions over time. But for the purpose of the map, these are the primary geographical origins associated with the goods mentioned.