Trade Developments and Networks by the Way of the Indian Ocean

By dsiuta
  • 5000 BCE

    Ancient fishing boats

    Flat bottomed boats are used to set out from the coast and were made simple, either by planks or single logs. The type of wood was resistant to rot. Although not information is known it is thought these boats may have been in use from 5000 BCE, although the classical period begins at 1000 BCE.
  • 4000 BCE

    Millet

    Millet
    These grains may have first been domesticated in east Africa and grown as far back as 4000 BCE. Different kinds of millet spread across the Indian Ocean. Photo cred: https://about.spud.com/blog-millet-vs-quinoa/
  • Period: 2800 BCE to 300 BCE

    The Lost City of Ubar

    Ubar was the center for incense transports and sale. Migrants lived in limestone formations that eventually fell victim to a sinkhole. City no longer exists.
  • 1000 BCE

    Iron metallurgy

    Iron production starts in Western Asia, Southeastern Europe and North Africa. Aryan people migrate to India, and Jerusalem is made the capital by King David
  • 1000 BCE

    Sugarcane has reached India

    Sugarcane has reached India
    Sugarcane became a luxury and was even considered medicinal. Sugar would become more common during the next centuries as trade spread and migration spread. Photo cred: https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/sugarcane-reinvented-as-energycane-could-be-future-of-cane-industry-renewables-6241231.html
  • 1000 BCE

    Bananas

    Bananas
    Bananas reached Africa by 1000 BCE but they were cultivated long ago (perhaps 8000 BCE). During the classical era, bananas may have reached the Middle East, and they most certainly reached China. Photo cred: https://www.amazon.com/produce-aisle-mburring-Bananas-bunch/dp/B000NOGLY2
  • 1000 BCE

    Trade between Egypt and Mesopotamia declines

    Historians believe trade between Egypt and Mesopotamia declines and opens up to trade among new groups
  • 800 BCE

    Nubian kingdom rises at Napata

    From 712-660 BCE, Nubia gains control of Egypt
  • 700 BCE

    Necho II

    Pharaoh Necho hired Phoenician sailors to explore Africa, which is what probably led to them circumnavigating the African continent
  • 600 BCE

    Phoenicians

    Believed to have circumnavigated the African continent and established trading colonies like Carthage, a very wealthy city. They were on top of their game when it came to trade in BCE
  • Period: 600 BCE to 300 BCE

    Religions were spread

    Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism spread across the Bay of Bengal to Southeast Asia. Merchant communities contributed to the spread of these religions
  • 551 BCE

    Confucius

    Confucius
    Confucius is spreading his teachings thus beginning the philosophy of his known as Confucianism Photo cred: https://www.thechairmansbao.com/introduction-to-confucius-and-teachings/
  • 550 BCE

    Achaemenid Empire

    Major empire involved in the Indian Ocean trade. Known for their Persian jewels being spread
  • 500 BCE

    Greek and Roman sailors

    Greeks and Romans entered the Indian Ocean 500 BCE, as they were sent there by Darius I, the Persian ruler.
  • 500 BCE

    Hanno

    Hanno sailed from Carthrage around the western coast of Africa. His route took him from the Straits of Gibraltar around the African coast as far down as Gabon. He established colonies along the Moroccan coast.
  • 450 BCE

    The Phoenicians and the alphabet

    A 14-line inscription is found on the Yehawmilk Stele. This is the basis of the alphabet for Western languages.
  • 334 BCE

    Alexander the Great of Macedonia Conquest

    Alexander the Great conquers western Asia. Greek culture spread throughout Europe, West Africa, and North Africa, such as the spread of Greek language and art.
  • 324 BCE

    Mauryan Empire

    Major Indian Empire that was involved in the Classical Period, Roman coins were found in Indian treasuries
  • 200 BCE

    Silk Road

    First appeared in 200 BCE, the Silk Road was a network of overland trade routes that connected China, Central Asia, India, the Middle East and the Mediterranean
  • Period: 33 BCE to 476

    Roman Empire

    Major empire that contributed to Indian Ocean trade during the classical era.
  • 900

    Kamal

    Kamal
    The Kamal was used to indicate the distance traveled north or south and helped guide ships to port. Helpful for Arab navigators traveling along the Indian Ocean. According to Mariners' Museum, the Kamal was developed 900 CE. Photo cred: http://aliceinwords.org/2013/06/02/navigating-the-earth/