In this book, archaeologists and ancient historians demonstrate how in diverse contexts -from the Bronze Age to Colonial times - humanity displayed an urge and an incredible capacity to connect with distant lands and people. Adopting and modifying approaches originally developed for the study of contemporary societies, it is possible to enhance our understanding of human past, not only in economic terms, but also the cultural significance of such interconnections. This book provides both the wider public and the specialist reader with a fresh point of view on global issues relating to the past. Teachers and students of world history and archaeology will find this book as a useful resource.