..arabian countries what was the source of livelihood before oil discovery ( Archived) (6)

sisu21: In arabian countries what was the source of livelihood before the discovery of oil...I recently read a novel written by Paulo Coelho -"ALCHEMIST"....quite an inspiring novel....the story was moving through arabian deserts and revolves around tribals in the desert

The Medieval navigators imported spices, groceries, linen, Egyptian paper, pearls, perfumes, and a thousand other rare and choice articles. In exchange they offered chiefly the precious metals in bars rather than coined, and it is probable that at this period they also exported iron, wines, oil, and wax. England prospered during the Middle Ages due to the commerce and trade in the wool which was brought from England.

Middle Ages Trade Centres
Many new products were introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages which came from the Eastern lands which the Crusaders travelled through to reach Jerusalem. Middle Ages Trade and Commerce changed to include different products, especially spices, from Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt, Damascus in Syria, Baghdad & Mosul in Iraq and other great cities which became important commerce and trading centres because of their strategic location, astride the trade routes to India, Persia and the Mediterranean. The products were then carried across the Mediterranean to the Italian seaports and then on to the major towns and cities of Europe.

es around tribals of the desert...