Comparative Analysis of Historical Trade Networks

Compare and contrast the [Silk Road, Indian Ocean trade network, Trans-Saharan trade routes, Mediterranean trade system, etc.] during their peak periods. Analyze their: 1) Geographic scope and major hubs, 2) Primary commodities exchanged, 3) Key participating cultures and their roles, 4) Political structures that facilitated or hindered trade, 5) Cultural and technological exchanges that occurred alongside commercial activity, 6) Environmental factors that shaped these networks, and 7) Long-term historical impact on global development. Discuss how these networks connected distant regions and facilitated not just economic exchange but also religious diffusion, technological transfer, and cultural hybridization. Include specific historical examples to illustrate the significance of these connections.