-
3000 BCE
Local Trade
Trade between towns along the coast of the Indian ocean using canoes and other small watercraft -
2000 BCE
Trade to/from Africa
Trade with Africa, importing various grains such as millet, teff and sorghum across the ocean. -
1500 BCE
Austronesians begin trade
Trade begins on out-rigger type ships bringing a multitude of goods to south India and Sri Lanka -
1000 BCE
Bananas
Bananas found on New Guinea make their way to Africa then to parts of China -
1000 BCE
Phoenicians
By this time the Phoenicians had already been a driving force of trade in the area using sailed ships to travel across great distances using Polaris to help them navigate. -
Period: 1000 BCE to 500
The Classical Era
The Classical Era spanned from 1000 BCE-500 AD encompassing many Civilizations -
858 BCE
Obelisk of Shalamaneser III
The Obelisk of Shalamaneser III with carvings representing King Shalmaneser III, who ruled 858-824 BCE . The carvings tell the story of military campaigns and items that were given in tribute to the king -
550 BCE
Religious thought
Through these trade routes religious thoughts and teachings start to spread across the Indian Ocean. Merchants practicing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism spread these teachings through their trade routes. -
Period: 550 BCE to 330 BCE
Trade With Persia
The Achaenid Empire in Persia begins trade across the Indian Ocean 550-330 BCE -
500 BCE
Persians join the Trade
Persian ruler Darius I sends sailors to join the trade in the Indian Ocean -
500 BCE
Gold & Wine
Persians bring with them bounties of gold and wine -
336 BCE
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great becomes King, under his rule Greece gains control over Western/Central Asia, Egypt, and the Indus River Valley. -
324 BCE
Punch-Marked Coins
Punch-marked coins begin to appear different ports -
Period: 324 BCE to 185 BCE
Trade with India
The Mauryan Empire begins trade across the Indian Ocean 324-185 BCE -
Period: 202 BCE to 220
Trade with China
The Han Dynasty begins trade across the Indian Ocean 202 BCE-220 CE -
106 BCE
The Silk Road
Established by Zhang Qian the Silk road becomes a main route of trade for China -
Period: 33 BCE to 476
Trade with The Mediterranean
The Roman Empire begins trade across the Indian Ocean 33 BCE-476 CE