### L882 relationships between distant peoples predate the internet > If historical Near Oceanian societies are any guide, factionalism, ever-shifting alliances, and sudden raids were part of island life, as were cherished relationships between individuals living at considerable distance from one another, who might meet face-to-face only once or twice in their lifetimes. Such contacts, often endowed with profound spiritual meaning and frequently reinforced by the exchange of valued objects, formed the umbrella for much wider trading. This reminds me of the relationships between the Kings of ancient Syria, how they viewed themselves as Brotherhood even though they never really met, because of the exchange of prestige goods that helped them maintain their power in their own society. I can imagine that the islands here would have worked in a similar way. See also: [[Brotherhood of Kings by Amanda Podany]]. #xref - [[Beyond the Blue Horizon by Brian Fagan#L882 relationships between distant peoples predate the internet|View in Vault]]