Trade in the Indian Ocean

Bananas

600 BCE

This crop was transported to China and even in the Middle East.

Pharaoh Neco II

600 BCE

Pharaoh Neco II began to build a canal that was going to connect the Nile River to the Red Sea. However, it proved to create vulnerabilities in a potential attack against Egypt and the project was abandoned. Much later one, the canal was finally completed creating a fast route for shipping.

Empires

600 BCE

The major empires that were involved in the Indian Ocean trade in the classical period were the Mauryan Empire in India, the Han Dynasty in China, the Achaemenid Empire in Persia, and the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean.

Classical Period

Period: 600 BCE to 600

A technological advance that was actually introduced before the Classical period, but still used during this time was the Polaris. Sailors were able to navigate the Indian Ocean by using this star as direction of pointing north.

Scylax of Caryanda

510 BCE

Scylax of Caryanda went on an exploration into the Indian Ocean to discover the mouth of the Indus River. Due to this voyage, he brought more trade expeditions for future explorers.

Camel Saddle

500 BCE

The camel saddle was invented in Northern Arabia. The saddle was made to carry heavy loads of goods and also carry a person on long commutes.

Kamal

400 BCE

The kamal was a technological device introduced in ancient times as a navigational tool for Arabs. The sole purpose of this rectangular card attached to a cord, was to determine the latitude in the Indian Ocean. It was used at the same time each night to determine the distance between the stars at their highest point and the horizon.

Nearchus

325 BCE

Nearchus was a captain of Alexander The Great's army. His journey began at the Indus River and ended at the Tigris River. He transferred over 15,000 men on this journey.

Camels

250 BCE

Camels were transported all over Africa. Camels were used for transportation, especially in open desert.

Arikamedu

200 BCE

Arkiamedu was a major trading post that included pottery, stone crafting, and glass beads.

Zhang Qian

106 BCE

Zhang Qian introduced Chinese culture to many different cultures and also brought back culture as an export to China. This included food like watermelon, dance, and music. Zhang Qian's exploration established the popular Silk Road that was used for trading.

Alexandria

100

Alexandria was the capital of Egypt at this time and was an international hub for trade. It connected trade routes to Rome, Africa, and Asia.

Phoenician Ships

100

Phoenician ships were large cargo ships (between 65 and 100 feet long). They were used by merchants to carry large amount of goods and these ships were built ahead of its technological time. The ship would hold about 20 men on board.

Kushan Gold Coin

150

Gold coins came from the Kushan Empire that featured many different cultures and showed the diversity through trade. From the Kushan Empire, to the Romans, Greeks, and Buddhist, the coins resembled many different cultures.

Aksum

200

Aksum (port city of Adulis) was a major contributor in the Indian Ocean trade network. Exports included gold, ivory, spices, and incense that traveled to multiple countries.

Christianity

250

Religion was spreading and Christianity began to consume Alexandria, which created a scholarly environment. Parts of the world began to learn more knowledge and religious beliefs outside of their country.

Sri Lanka

300

A very important port in the Indian Ocean trade network. Sri Lanka was a major stopping point for many different cultures. Cinnamon was a popular trade good, along with ivory and tortoiseshell.

Sugar Cane

500

Sugar Cane was originated in Southeast Asia and traveled to Persia by the end of the Classical period. This good was classified as a luxury and continued its popular trade after the Classical period was over.

Buddhism

600

The Buddhism religion spread throughout Asia from India to China

Diseases

600

Chickens and rats were exchanged from Asia to Africa that potentially could carry and transfer diseases from one location to the next. "The arrival of rats, a famous vector for the plague, comes close on the heels of the Justinian Plague outbreak of 541-542 BC in the Eastern Roman Empire and around the Mediterranean," (Planck, 2017). The more trading occurred the more likely it was to transfer diseases.

Frankincense and Myrrh

600

Frankincense and myrrh was a type of incense used for religious rituals, but also for medicine and Egyptian mummies. Frankincense and myrrh were transported by Arabs using camels along the trade route of Incense Road. These goods were transported from the Roman Empire to Asia