In 01

Timeline on the Indian Ocean Trade Route

  • 1680 BCE

    British East India Company

    This group challenged the Dutch East Indian Company (VOC) for control over the trade routes they monopolized. Their control caused many empires such as the Asian Empire to collapse, contributing to the destruction of the Indian Ocean trade system.
  • 1602 BCE

    Dutch East India Company (VOC)

    This trading company tried to monopolize lucrative spices such as nutmeg.
  • 1405 BCE

    Ming Dynasty

    The emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Yongle Emperor, travelled to their trading partners around the Indian Ocean.
  • Period: 800 BCE to 1500 BCE

    Indian Ocean Network

    The Indian Ocean trade was the main trading network during this period. This route was used to transport bulk items such as timber, ivory etc.
  • 600 BCE

    Transportation

    China Junks: Chinese ships equipped with magnetic compasses and air tight compartments to assist with navigating the Indian Ocean.
    Dhows: commonly used small wooden vessels, with lateens which increases its speed and mobility.
    Lateens:- triangular sails used to propel dhows
  • 600 BCE

    Black Death

    This disease was spread form Asia to North East Africa , through the Silk Road trading network killing one third of the population there.
  • Period: 600 BCE to 1450 BCE

    Silk Road Network

    This network was used to transport luxurious items such as silk and jewelry.
  • Period: 600 BCE to 600 BCE

    Mediterranean Network

    This Network declined as Rome weakened. Gems, perfumes from India, and olive oil were imported into the Mediterranean using this network.
  • Period: 600 BCE to 1450 BCE

    Trans-Saharan Network

    Islam played a major role in increasing trading through this route, as more trade connections were built.
  • 550 BCE

    Achaemenid Empire in India

    Persian jewels were exported to various destinations
  • 460 BCE

    Portuguese Sailors

    The Portuguese sailors on the Vasco de Gama robbed and extorted from both local and foreign merchants.
  • 324 BCE

    Mauryan Empire in India

    Persian Jewels were transported to Mauryan for different occasions.
  • 202 BCE

    Han Dynasty Empire in China

    Silk from China was sent to the Roman aristocrats
  • 33 BCE

    Roman Empire in the Mediterranean

    Roman coins were mixed with the Indians treasures as spices, essence and precious stones were traded.
  • 33 BCE

    Religion

    Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism were spread from India to South East Asia from mingling with travelling merchants.