Roots of Routes: Mobility and Networks between the Past and the Future

The booklet explores the roots of routes, paths, trails, roads, and other connections that have shaped past and present societies. It highlights the importance of these cultural and biological connectivities in shaping past and present societies, from the earliest stages of the Stone Age to the present day. The booklet examines the roles of landscape and climate, as well as the objects, rituals, and cultural practices that were transported along these routes. It also illustrates how the development of human societies is determined by the routes through which they are connected, and how communication and dialogue along these routes and networks must be maintained to ensure a good coexistence of humans in this world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Sidestone Press

People and spaces have always been connected by routes: paths, trails, roads – on land, on water, and sometimes even through the air, over hill and dale as well as over wooden planks, pavement, and asphalt. Humans and animals followed them. The routes directed the circulation of raw materials and goods. They determined the paths on which humans fled from misery and danger, and they constituted the physical and imagined veins of networks between communities. All these cultural and biological connectivities are the building blocks of reshaping past (and present) societies.

In this booklet – the second in the booklet series of the Cluster of Excellence ROOTS at Kiel University – we uncover the roots of these routes: From the earliest stages of the Stone Age to the present day, there have been well-defined routes, which enabled the exchange of things, practices, and knowledge between people. Many of these ancient routes are not only still visible today, but even continue to operate: from the Silk Roads spanning the continents to the local routes of the Ox Trail in Schleswig-Holstein, from the waterways of Mesopotamia and the river worlds of the forest zone to the spiritual routes of philosophical contemplation. Moreover, isolation and disruptions of formerly established routes, for example in the Viking diaspora, have also proven to be directional for cultural developments. In a kaleidoscope of perspectives, the roles of landscape and climate are examined. Special attention is given to those routes along which objects, rituals, and therefore also cultural practices were transported. Religious rituals, knowledge, even philosophical insights are shown to have their roots in movement along routes. These and the many other topics in this booklet illustrate to what extent the development of human societies is shaped by the movement of people and things.

The booklet is divided into three main sections: "Routes of Exchange," "Routes of Migration," and "Routes of Knowledge." In the first section, we explore the various routes that facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between different regions and communities. We examine the Silk Roads, the Ox Trail, and the waterways of Mesopotamia, among others, and discuss how these routes shaped the economic, social, and cultural landscapes of the regions they connected.

In the second section, we focus on the routes of migration that have played a significant role in shaping human societies. We explore the various factors that drove people to move, including economic opportunities, political instability, and environmental challenges. We examine the different types of migration, such as forced migration, voluntary migration, and diaspora migration, and discuss the impact of these movements on the receiving communities.

In the third section, we explore the routes of knowledge that have been crucial in the development of human societies. We examine the various ways in which knowledge has been transmitted and shared, including through oral traditions, written texts, and visual representations. We discuss the role of education in promoting knowledge and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Throughout the booklet, we use a variety of sources, including historical documents, archaeological findings, and contemporary research. We also include interviews with experts in the field to provide their insights and perspectives on the topics discussed.

One of the key themes that emerges from the booklet is the importance of connectivity in shaping human societies. We see how the movement of people and things has facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, and how this has led to the development of complex and diverse societies. However, we also see how isolation and disruptions of formerly established routes can have negative consequences, such as the loss of cultural heritage and the exacerbation of social inequalities.

To address these challenges, we need to develop new strategies for promoting connectivity and preserving cultural heritage. This can include the development of new transportation networks, the promotion of cultural exchange programs, and the preservation of historic sites and monuments. We also need to recognize the importance of indigenous knowledge and the role that it plays in shaping our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, the booklet "Routes of Exchange, Migration, and Knowledge" provides a comprehensive overview of the various routes that have played a significant role in shaping human societies. We see how the movement of people and things has facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies, and how this has led to the development of complex and diverse societies. However, we also see how isolation and disruptions of formerly established routes can have negative consequences, and we need to develop new strategies for promoting connectivity and preserving cultural heritage. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Dimension: 210 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789464261912