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1000 BCE
Bananas
Bananas were introduced to China at some point in the Classical era but were also found in other parts of southeast Asia, as well as India, and Africa -
1000 BCE
Sugar Cane
Sugar was largely considered a luxury, used as both as a sweetener in foods and sometimes as a medicine. Originated in southeast Asia. -
Period: 1000 BCE to 300
Classical Era
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Period: 1000 BCE to 300
Vyadhapura
A trade hub located in what is now Cambodia, Vyadhapura acted as a stopping point for traders from India, China, and other Western Asian civilizations. -
Period: 1000 BCE to 300
Barygaza
A port town on the western coast of India. Commonly exported gems, textiles, medicines, and herbs. -
Period: 1000 BCE to 300
Navigation by Polaris
Phoenician Sailors used Polaris, also known at the North Star, to navigate the oceans. I couldn't find an exact date for the emergence of this technology. -
700 BCE
Indigo Dye
A dye used in fabrics and other artistic pursuits. Created by fermenting the Indigo flower, it was traded in China, Rome, Greece, Babylon, and India. -
600 BCE
Silk
Silk manufacturing and its export helped to catapult Chinas trade value. It was prized by the Indians, Romans, and the Kingdoms of the Middle East. -
Period: 550 BCE to 486
Darius I
Darius the Great was the third ruler of the Persian Empire. He built trade roads that spanned from the westernmost point of the Persian Empire to the easternmost point. -
Period: 515 BCE to 510 BCE
Scylax's Voyage
Sailed the Indian Ocean at the command of Darius I, who wished to discover the mouth of the Indus River and commence in trade with India -
500 BCE
Iron and Bronze Working
The Qin dynasty experimented with Iron and bronze working, to create better tools and weapons. -
500 BCE
Cinnomon and Cassia
Spices derived from the bark of trees. Cinnamon Probably originated in Sri Lanka and Cassia is native to China. -
Period: 500 BCE to 100 BCE
Development of Camel Saddles
Used to ease the stress of riding one-humped camels. -
206 BCE
Cloves
The dried flowers of the clove tree. used in medicine and cooking. In China, they were often used as breath fresheners, especially when talking to the king. -
106 BCE
Zhang Qian
An early explorer of what came to be known as the silk road. By 106 BCE, his routes became commonly traveled along the silk road. -
100 BCE
Pepper
A spice derived from peppercorns. was largely traded during the spice trade. -
Period: 100 BCE to 100
Spice Trade flourishes
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100
Pearls
Pearls were commonly used in Roman jewelry, among other luxuries such as gold and precious stones. -
332
Founding of Alexandria
International Trade hub founded by Alexander the great. Facilitated trade between the Africas and the Mediterranean.