Abstract
In this paper we explore the long-run settlement and economic activities in the highlands of Asia. The highland terrains uniquely determined seasonal migration paths by nomadic pastoralists (so called “nomadic corridors”), along which trade routes and settlements formed. Using simulated nomadic corridors as a proxy for ancient transportation networks, we study how closely contemporary economic activities remain around these routes. We find that in the highlands, the ancient routes are associated with positive economic outcomes in the long run; trade hubs along the routes continued to draw people and are more populated today relative to other areas in the region.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 101482 |
Journal | Explorations in Economic History |
Volume | 89 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2023 |
Keywords
- Asian highlands
- Long-term growth
- Terrains
- Transportation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- History
- Economics and Econometrics