-exchange led to the creation of larger, more powerful states
-the spread of Buddhism and Islam
-spread of epidemic diseases beyond local regions, with sometimes devastating effects
-spread of plants, animals, technological
-It altered consumption patterns
-encouraged specialization and diminished the economic self-sufficiency of local societies
-means of social mobility, traders often becoming a distinct social group
-Gab between rich and poor grew
-New civilizations developed along roads, places for merchant to stop