The most direct overland route crossed the Sinai Peninsula and the Levantine corridor, a journey of perhaps a month or two on foot or by donkey.

Sea routes along the eastern Mediterranean coast connected Egyptian and Levantine ports to the coastal cities of the northern Levant.

River routes along the Euphrates, combined with overland connections, could extend these networks deep into Mesopotamia.

The people who moved along these routes were not only merchants.

They were also craftsmen, brought to work on specific projects.

Diplomats and their retinues.

Refugees and migrants displaced by conflict or climate stress.