Trade Developments and Networks by Way of the Indian Ocean

The Classical Era Begins

1000 BCE

The trade in the Indian Ocean at this time is better understood because of the artifacts and records that have been found. Mariners were more confident in their voyages as monsoon wind patterns became well established and navigation was better understood.

Long Distance Trade Begins to Expand

1000 BCE

Domestication of the Camel brought about the ability to bring coastal trade goods like silk, porcelain, and spices inland to the different empires. The invention of triangular sailed dhows gave traders the ability to harness the power of the monsoons, which allowed them to take goods further than ever before.

Identifying Trade Networks

1000 BCE

In Asia, the earliest evidence of maritime trade was the Neolithic trade networks of the Austronesian people, who were the first humans to invent ocean-going ships. It also included the long-distance routes of Austronesian traders from Indonesia and Malaysia connecting China with South Asia and the Middle East since at least 1000 to 600 BC.

Religion Spreads

Period: 1000 BCE to 300

Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism spread from India to Southeast Asia. Christianity and Judaism also spread, resulted in migrations to Ethiopia, Arabia, and India.

Spread of Disease

Period: 1000 BCE to 300

Many diseases spread through the trade routes in the Classical Era. Bubonic Plague, Smallpox, Syphilis, Melaria, etc. were all spread during this time.

Rise of the Nubian Kingdom

800 BCE

Nubia was known for deposits of gold. Nubians traded with the Egyptians for grain, vegetable oils, wine, beer and linen. They are remembered for being responsible for restoring Egypt to its ancient customs and beliefs.

Indigo

700 BCE

The Indigo plant was a valuable plant found in documents as early as 700 BCE, in Babylon, and also later mentioned in sources. It became a popular trade and many different countries used it to dye their textiles.

Greek Coin Currency

600 BCE

Greek coin currency was introduced and used in trade

Advances in Means of Transport

600 BCE

Trade shipping in the Indian Ocean was done by various means throughout the Classical Era: dhows, sailboats, dry-cargo carriers, and tankers. In the beginning of the era small, lateen-rigged sailing vessels called dhows were largely what was used.

Iron Metallurgy is known in China

600 BCE

Iron working became a highly valuable skill during this era, and as weaponry advanced, so did the Chinese' knowledge of smelting iron. The centuries-long period of war (776 through 221 BC), saw primitive lords seek to oust the Zhou dynasty through advanced weaponry and warfare. The lord who had the best weapons had the best chance at ruling.

Siddhartha Gautama

563 BCE

Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, in India, and the beginning of Buddhism began.

Confucius

551 BCE

Life of Confucius in China, and the beginning of the philosophy of Confucianism.

Achaemenid Empire in Persia

550 BCE

Traded Jewels with the Mauryan Empire

Roman Republic

507 BCE

By 507 BC, Rome had become a republic, with Brutus its first chief magistrate.He is credited with establishing many of basic institutions of the Roman Republic, which lasted for about half a millennium before it collapsed and was done away with by Julius Caesar and Augustus. Many of Brutus’ Republican institutions continued for centuries more, in altered and reduced form, as emperors strove to at least pay lip service to the republican facade.

Alexander the Great

336 BCE

After Philip II's assassination in 336 BC, Alexander the Great inherited a strong kingdom and an experienced army. In 334 BC, he invaded the Persian Empire and began a series of campaigns that lasted for 10 years. He subsequently overthrew Persian King Darius III and conquered the Persian Empire in its entirety. At that point, his empire stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Beas River.

Mauryan Empire in India

324 BCE

Under Chandragupta Maurya, trade activities thrived and expanded across South Asia due to the creation of a single and efficient system of finance, administration, and security. The Maurya dynasty built the Grand Trunk Road, one of Asia's oldest and longest trade networks, connecting the north of the Indian subcontinent from east to west.

Frankincense and Myrrh

300 BCE

Frankincense and myrrh trading served as a driving force to open Indian Ocean Trade.They have been highly valued trade items for thousands of years. During the Classical Period, they were traded by Arab merchants-along with spices, gold, ivory, pearls, precious stones and textiles.

Han Dynasty Begins Reign in China

206 BCE

Traded Silk with Roman Aristocrats

Cloves

206 BCE

Clove is one of the oldest spices in the world, and A highly desired luxury item, cloves were traded regularly along routes stretching from Europe to China. Clove has a high global demand because of its health benefits. It is said it is a cure for cough and bad breath.The spice was also imported by the Romans, and eventually started to spread through southern Europe. Cloves were a very important part of the spice trade.

Roman Coins Used for Trade

33 BCE

Roman coins were used for trade in India

Pearls

150

An ideal trade good because they took up very little room on ships or caravans, pearls were commonly used for jewelry and decoration, or sometimes ground up into powder for medicine.