Caravans were useful in long-distance trade largely for carrying luxury goods, the transportation of cheaper goods across large distances was not profitable for caravan operators.

This may suggest long-distance trade among the people who used the monuments.

This was followed by a sudden flowering of fine toolmaking, sophisticated weaponry, sculpture, cave painting, body ornaments, and long-distance trade.

The towns were ruled by patricians (merchants carrying on long-distance trade).

With the bishop not resident, the city was ruled by patricians (merchants carrying on long-distance trade).