THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)

This research analyzes the role of whales and their by-products as the epicenter of Eurasian exchange networks during Antiquity. To this end, we examine the available knowledge on the biology and behavior of these cetaceans. Two paradigms of transcontinental connections are presented: one through th...

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Main Authors: Antonio Ruiz SÁNCHEZ, Sebastián Uribe RODRÍGUEZ
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Mega Publishing House 2024-02-01
Series:Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://jaha.org.ro/index.php/JAHA/article/view/1139
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author Antonio Ruiz SÁNCHEZ
Sebastián Uribe RODRÍGUEZ
author_facet Antonio Ruiz SÁNCHEZ
Sebastián Uribe RODRÍGUEZ
author_sort Antonio Ruiz SÁNCHEZ
collection DOAJ
description This research analyzes the role of whales and their by-products as the epicenter of Eurasian exchange networks during Antiquity. To this end, we examine the available knowledge on the biology and behavior of these cetaceans. Two paradigms of transcontinental connections are presented: one through the consumption of whale meat and the other through the circulation of luminescent pearls. Based on this premise, we identify three key points where these animals concentrated their activity: the European Atlantic façade, the Mediterranean coast, and the Indian subcontinent. Regarding the nature of these connective dynamics, there was a conscious exchange of whale-related products. However, its scope was variable. Thus, we propose the coexistence of regional spaces where small-scale whaling was conducted to meet local needs, alongside large Eurasian exchange networks, which are more difficult to trace.
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issn 2360-266X
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publishDate 2024-02-01
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series Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology
spelling doaj-art-5bfd64d54b1546f3a9d40c0367ffe31a2025-08-20T02:00:47ZengMega Publishing HouseJournal of Ancient History and Archaeology2360-266X2024-02-0111410.14795/j.v11i4.1139556THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)Antonio Ruiz SÁNCHEZ0Sebastián Uribe RODRÍGUEZ1Universitat de València, SpainInstituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales, ColombiaThis research analyzes the role of whales and their by-products as the epicenter of Eurasian exchange networks during Antiquity. To this end, we examine the available knowledge on the biology and behavior of these cetaceans. Two paradigms of transcontinental connections are presented: one through the consumption of whale meat and the other through the circulation of luminescent pearls. Based on this premise, we identify three key points where these animals concentrated their activity: the European Atlantic façade, the Mediterranean coast, and the Indian subcontinent. Regarding the nature of these connective dynamics, there was a conscious exchange of whale-related products. However, its scope was variable. Thus, we propose the coexistence of regional spaces where small-scale whaling was conducted to meet local needs, alongside large Eurasian exchange networks, which are more difficult to trace.https://jaha.org.ro/index.php/JAHA/article/view/1139whales, ancient connectivity, animals in antiquity, eurasian studies, ancient trade and networks
spellingShingle Antonio Ruiz SÁNCHEZ
Sebastián Uribe RODRÍGUEZ
THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)
Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology
whales, ancient connectivity, animals in antiquity, eurasian studies, ancient trade and networks
title THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)
title_full THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)
title_fullStr THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)
title_full_unstemmed THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)
title_short THE GIANT'S TRAIL: MOBILITY AND EXCHANGE OF WHALES AND THEIR BY-PRODUCTS IN ANTIQUITY (1ST CENTURY BC-5TH CENTURY AD)
title_sort giant s trail mobility and exchange of whales and their by products in antiquity 1st century bc 5th century ad
topic whales, ancient connectivity, animals in antiquity, eurasian studies, ancient trade and networks
url https://jaha.org.ro/index.php/JAHA/article/view/1139
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