Indian Ocean Trade - Classical Era

Rise of Fishing Boat Transport

5000 BCE

Rise of the fishing boats allowed for more easier fishing along with trade and transportation.Usually these boats were made out of mango wood or teak wood, to allow for a lesser chance of the boats rotting. Although fishing boats were made before the start of the classical period they were a detrimental benefit to the classical era.

Indian Ocean Trade - Classical Era

Period: 5000 BCE to 1000

Start of the Classical Era

1000 BCE

The Classical Era - Indian Trade began in 1,000 BCE and ended in 300 CE.The Classical Era began in 600 BCE to 600 CE. It included the Mauryan Empire,the Han Dynasty Empire, the Roman Empire and lastly the Achaemenid Empire. The Classical Era was also the era in which large civilizations emerged in the Mediterranean, China, India, the Middle East and the Americas.

`aThe spread of Bananas

1000 BCE

Around 1,000 BCE, bananas reached Africa along with parts of China and the Middle East. Bananas were used as a crop and food source.

The Coming of Islam

600 BCE

Due to Arabia and the Swahili coast of Africa being mostly Islamic, merchants were able to spread the religion when they traveled. Gold, Ivory, and exotic animals were transported from sub Saharan and southern Africa to the cities which then led to the busy sea routes of the Indian Ocean.

Astrolabe

600 BCE

The Astrolabe was an instrument that allowed skilled sailors to determine their latitude at sea, also allowing to navigate using the stars.

The Mediterranean Network

600 BCE

The Mediterranean Network allowed Islam to spread across North Africa. Coming in from various different places, contents were shipped through the Indian Ocean and then transported through silk roads. Cities Cairo and Alexandria became powerful places for the Mediterranean Network to trade and make sales. Trading firms put in Cairo which benefited from lucrative trade in silk, yarn and cotton textiles. Access to gems and perfumes from India along with more trade of olive oil and glassware.

Alexander The Great

550 BCE

Alexander The Great defeated the Persian empire. This allowed to Greek to extend its power over lands in Western Asia, Egypt, Central Asia, Central Asia and Egypt. Alexandria, Egypt, which was founded by Alexander The Great became a major center of trade and art in upcoming years.

The Voyage of Scylax of Caryanda

510 BCE

Scylax voyage into the Indian Ocean from 510-515 BC. Scylax was sent on the voyage by King Darius of Persia. The mission was to discover the mouth of the Indus river and confirm the rumors that riches existed heavily there.The voyage led to Scylax's famed reputation. His return brought news of the new regions which also led to new trade opportunities and expeditions.

Hanno's Exploration

500 BCE

Hanno used the Indian Ocean to sail around the Western coast of Africa. After exploring Libya, he established numerous colonies along the Moroccan coast along with a trading post on a small island off of the Coast.

Trading of the Greeks and Romans

500 BCE

More goods and innovations were spread through the trade of Greek and Roman sailors, who both entered the Indian Ocean after 500 BCE per Persian Ruler Darius I's commands.

Development of the Camel Saddle

500 BCE

The Camel saddle was developed between 500 and 100 BCE in Northern Arabia. Made out of cushion material and wood, the saddle allowed for the Camels to carry more of a load which made trading and traveling more easier.

The Persian War

500 BCE

During this time Athens agreed to help the cities of the Asia Minor, upsetting Persian Rivals. Darius the Great commenced attacks on the Greek Mainland using the Indian Ocean as a way of access.

Creation of the Compass

400 BCE

The compass, originally created in China was created to initially be a device used for divination and later used for navigation. The earliest compasses were composed with spoons that contained lodestone (a material that contains magnetite, a natural magnetic substance). Others made compasses using a magnetized needle and placing it in a bowl of water. The creation of the compass allowed for better direction when sailing the ocean. Easy direction made trade more easier and abundant.

Ashoka's Encouragement

271 BCE

Ashoka encouraged communication that contributed to the establishment of trade relations by sending religious messengers on voyages.

Trade of Cloves

206 BCE

Cloves were used by people who worked under the King in China to maintain sweet breaths when talking to the King himself. Cloves were usually traded in various routes extending from Europe to China. Cloves were imported by Romans, leading to the spread of it in Southern Europe.Cloves were a detrimental spice to the Spice Trade, allowing the connection of mainland Asia and Southeast Asia islands.

Buddhism

200 BCE

Buddhism expanded in the Indian and Chinese areas of Asia by moving subsequently across various trade routes. Most Indian and Chinese merchants became Buddhist because of how frequently they were exposed to the religion.

Zhang Qian

138 BCE

Zhang Qian's first mission was to make contact with the Yuezhi to form an alliance relationship. Later Qian traveled back to Southeast Asia where he introduced Chinese culture, Lifestyle and Technology to the islands and mainlands he visited. Upon returning Zhang Qian was able to bring back different music, foods, dance forms and art forms. Qian also served as a pioneer for the silk road

Trade of Pearls

100 BCE

Fashion Trends of the Classical Period included copious amounts of pearls from mostly 100-200 BCE. Pearls were considered an easy trade because they took up very little room on ships. Pearls were used very diversely in fashion, medicine and decoratiion that they were a high demand material.

Spread of Diseases

100 BCE

Due to various trades being made now through the Indian Ocean, more diseases were transported along with goods that were traded and transported

The Spread of Hinduism

300

The religion Hinduism is also considered as a lifestyle and culture. The expansion of trade and imports/exports using the Indian Ocean allowed for the diffusion of different cultures and religion such as Hinduism. Along with Hinduism, science was also spread in the form of Hindi numerals to the Arabian Pennisula.