Globalization is a term used to describe the process of countries, economies, and cultures becoming more connected and dependent on each other. It is not a new phenomenon and has been happening for thousands of years. The concept of globalization has evolved over time, and its history can be traced back to the early civilizations that facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas across vast distances.
The ancient Roman Empire is often cited as an example of early globalization. The Romans built a vast network of roads and trade routes that allowed people and goods to travel long distances, connecting different parts of the empire. This allowed for colonies and agricultural change and helped to spread ideas, knowledge, and culture across a wide area. This laid the groundwork for a more interconnected world (Archaeology, 2018).
The 16th and 17th centuries marked a significant period of globalization, with the rise of sea-faring nations such as the French, Dutch, Spanish, and British. These nations established trade networks and colonies around the world, which facilitated the exchange of goods, people, and ideas across continents. Political, military, communications, and transportation globalization were all shaped more fully and extensively by British globalization. It was in the 16th century that globalization was really born. This era was characterized by the growth of international trade and commerce, which played a critical role in shaping the modern global economy.