Transnationalism in ancient and medieval societies : the role of cross border trade and travel This study of early transnational relations explores the routine interaction of people across the boundaries of empires tribal confederacies kingdoms and city states. It examines obstacles voyagers faced relatively poor geographical knowledge and dangers of a fragmented and shifting political landscape and reveals the important political economic and cultural role cross border trade and travel played in ancient society. Provided by publisher This study of early transnational relations explores the routine interaction of people across the boundaries of empires tribal confederacies kingdoms and city states. It examines obstacles voyagers faced relatively poor geographical knowledge and dangers of a fragmented and shifting political landscape and reveals the important political economic and cultural role cross border trade and travel played in ancient society Provided by publisher