Indian Ocean Trade Route

  • 1000 BCE

    Trade Established

    From Text, page 65
  • 1000 BCE

    Ancient Kingdom of Ghana

    From text, page 193. Traded salt, cloth, and manufactured goods in return for gold. Kingdom was a major source of gold for Mediterranean by 9th Century CE. Trade with Africa also included camels and dates
  • Period: 550 BCE to 425 BCE

    Buddha

    From text, page 126. Years are approximate as he lived from Mid 6th century to early 5th century.
  • Period: 500 BCE to 300 BCE

    Gupta Empire

    From text, page 118. Years are approximate. Trade included pepper, cinnamon, and gems. (https://www.indianoceanhistory.org/LessonPlan/ClassicalEra.aspx)
  • Period: 500 BCE to 476 BCE

    Roman Empire

    From Chapter 7 of text. Trade to Rome included Chinese silks and other luxury good from Asia. Spread of Christianity.
  • 327 BCE

    Alexander the Great crosses Hindu Kush into India

    From text, page 128
  • Period: 300 BCE to 185 BCE

    Mauryan Empire

    From text, page 128. Established in 4th Century, ended 185 BCE. Trade included cotton and bronze.
  • Period: 202 BCE to 200 BCE

    Han Dynasty in China

    From text, page 91. End year is approximate. Overseas links established with North Vietnam, South East Asia, and coastal India. Trade included incense and rhinoceros horn.