My name is Martin Jan Månsson, and since 2015, I’ve been creating maps of global historical trade routes. In 2025, I launched The Age of Trade with the aim to visually explain all of the world’s pre-modern trade and travel networks through maps and videos.
Today, trade route maps are often poorly represented in captivating ways – either too general or too regional. Rather than drawing lines between cities, I aim to bring each route to life with rich details and historical curiosities.
The maps, often first-time visualizations of historical travel accounts and modern research, require extensive reading. For a decade, this has been a passion project, offering my products for free. But as my dedication grows and the time consumption increase, so does the need for financial support.
If you’re feeling extra generous today, please consider making any size donation to the cause.
The map that started it all, in 2015.