Indian Ocean Status

  • 90,000 BCE

    migration out of africa to southwest asia towards india

  • 3000 BCE

    first interactions

    Travelers in small canoes and rafts moved between towns and trading ports along coastlines from Arabia to the Indian subcontinent.
  • 3000 BCE

    origins of indian ocean trade route begins

    Travelers in small canoes and rafts moved between towns and trading ports along coastlines from Arabia to the Indian subcontinent.
  • Period: 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE

    extensinve trade between Harappa and Mesopotamia

    2,600 BCE – 1,900 BCE
    Extensive trade between Harappa and Mesopotamia.
    Millet and sorghum — grains imported from the East African coast — were part of the cuisine of the Harappan civilization, which stretched across today’s Pakistan and northern India. The Harappan's likely received woolen textiles in exchange.
  • Period: 2300 BCE to 1760 BCE

    cotton textiles

    Cotton textiles
    India produced and traded cotton textiles, replacing wool clothing worn in most countries.
  • Period: 600 BCE to 600

    the dhow

    The dhow was a sailing vessel utilized on these trades routes to transport merchandise. When coupled with the lateen sail (c. 200 CE) it made for an efficient mode of transport.
  • Period: 600 BCE to 750

    Foreign merchants and missionaries spread religion.

    Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism - 600 BCE - 300 BCE
    Christianity - 100 CE - 700 CE
    Islam - 632 CE - 75- CE
  • 500 BCE

    greek and roman sailors and traders enter the indian ocean

    Traded ceramics, glassware, wine, gold, olive oil
  • 326 BCE

    Nearchus

    A naval officer for Alexander the Great who led his fleet from the Indus River to the Persian Gulf.
  • 323 BCE

    Sea lanes joined Asia, africa and the mediterranian into one network

    India traded spices and pepper.
    Persia and Egypt traded grain.
    Mediterranean traded wine and oil.
  • 118 BCE

    exodus of cyzicus

    Greek explorer who traveled the monsoon wind system of the Indian Ocean bringing back cargo of precious stones and aromatics. His second trip was a failure as he disappeared on the return voyage.
  • 118 BCE

    exodus of cyzicus

    Greek explorer who traveled the monsoon wind system of the Indian Ocean bringing back cargo of precious stones and aromatics. His second trip was a failure as he disappeared on the return voyage.
  • Period: 63 BCE to 18 BCE

    Expansion of trade due to the Pax Romana

    Expansion of trade due to the Pax Romana
  • 78

    The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea

    A guide to travel and trade in the Indian Ocean by a first century merchant.
  • Period: 161 to 180

    Spread of epidemic disease

    The Han Empire and the Roman Empire suffered large-scale outbreaks of epidemic disease, likely due to contact with merchants.