In this presentation Dr. Derek Kennet, Howard E. Hallengren Professor in Arabian Peninsula and Gulf States Archaeology, ISAC, University of Chicago, will discuss one of the most important and least understood periods in the development of the world economy. About 1,200 years ago, at a time when the early Islamic empire of the Abbasids in the Middle East and Tang China were the two global economic superpowers, merchant seafarers began—for the first time in history—sailing directly from the Middle East to China. Their activities brought the two ends of the known world into close contact and seem to represent the first steps towards the development of the modern global economy. Despite their important contribution, almost nothing is known of these seafarers, who they were or how they operated. All that is left to us is the archaeological evidence at port sites around the Indian Ocean. But how do we turn this evidence into a history of trade? Derek Kennet will set out some examples and ideas and describe the current UChicago (ISAC) excavations at Suhar (Sultanate of Oman). Warning: this talk is really only suitable for people who like long, hot sandy beaches, palm groves and exotic locations. Piña coladas are recommended.