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During the classical ear the major empires involved in the trade included the Mauryan empire in India, Han dynasty in China, Achamenid empire in Persia and the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean. India- in 1602 the Dutch East India Company sought a total monopoly on lucrative spices like nutmeg and mace. Later in 1680 the British joined the East India company which challenged for control of the trade routes.
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East Africa's involvement with the trade began around 800 AD.In the 1500's the trade declined when Portugal invaded and tried to run the trade for its own profit. The trade between Africa and Asia grew and the city states flourished along the eastern coast of Africa. The city states traded with the inland kingdoms for gold, ivory and iron. The city states were also buying items from Asia and were willing to pay a high price for cotton, silk and porcelain objects.
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China had created a monopoly on how to make silk. The silk from China graced Roman aristocrats. Dynasties in China helped emphasized trade and industry developing strong ties along the land. Everyone wanted Chinese goods and foreigners were willing to take their time and visit coastal China to obtain fine silks, porcelain and other items.
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The advances in technology and political stability caused an increase in trade. Maritime technology was introduced using a compass. An astrolabe could be used to determine the latitude at sea. The Arabs created the Dhow ships to tack against the wind while sailing.
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The Indian Ocean trade begun in the third century BCE. The identifying networks involved in the Indian Ocean trade were; China, India, East Africa, Arabia and Southeast Asia.
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Arabia used triangle sailed dhows to harness the seasonal monsoon winds. Arabia also domesticated the camels used for transportation to bring coastal trade goods. The goods included silk, porcelain, spices, slaves,incense and ivory.
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Popular transportation used during the Indian trade included: camels, horses and ships.
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Due to the influx of travelers small pox was spread among the people. Some of the countries had never been exposed and were therefore more susceptible to the disease. The people who were infected with small pox died. The opening of more trade routes caused the travelers to exchange many things; animals, spices, ideas and disease. New religion spread among the countries. The new religion included Christianity and Buddhism.
