Trade Routes...

[Pixie]

You are right in everything you wrote, waldronate. I think the links I shared have more to do with cost of transport and how that interacts with the terrain constraints to create points where trade is more prevalent, hence where trading emporiums are likely to be based.

What I found most interesting is how those points change over time, with
1. the development of new trade routes, either as a result of exploration or technological innovation
2. the appearance of new resources, either previously untapped or unvalued
3. the development of industries in locations that use to be peripheric (which links directly to "central place"...)

[Vandalicus]

Thanks for this insight, this is really useful.

As someone who studied trade routes in history during my university degree, I am always bothered when I see obviously non-sensical trade routes on maps sometimes (long straight paths across desolate plains and so). While I am not telling that fantasy map must be super realistic, I always find it nice when it is following some inner logic.
For creating pseudo-historical maps I have my personal rule of thumb when placing major trade routes (and roads generally):
1) if possible, follow the rivers (in ancient/medieval period transport by boat is nearly in all cases easier and faster then on dirt roads)
2) easiest, not shortest path between centers (around the desert, not through it)
3) think about the logic behind the road/route/path and what is the economy behind (trade route will go through one urban center to another, because they want to sell stuff, on other hand modern-era road for quickly moving armies could be quite straight and actually be passing around inhabited point to avoid being clogged by civilians/refugees)

[tatteredglyph]

As someone who is new to this - and trying to improve each day little by little, this resource is priceless. I've been trying to logically think of placements for cities, towns, ports, etc. So knowing how trade routes evolve and flow are perfect to get a sense of where things will go. I'd say this is very important to know for anyone who is starting out, so I'm glad I stumbled upon this!

[czaczaja]

The interactive Roman travel map is simply invaluable, especially for a geek like me who loved Roman Empire all his life.