Trade in the Indian Ocean (Classical Period)

Zhou Kingdom ends in China

771 BCE

Following the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty lasted the longest of all dynasties in China. This Dynasty brought forth many philosophical thinkers and artists. It was known as a time for "intellectual and artistic awakening". Within this time period goods within the area were typically not traded, but given as gifts. Lots of artistic goods came from this period, as did schools of thought, and the beginnings of the Chinese writing system. This would influence the future of China

Rise of the Nubian Kingdom in Egypt

712 BCE

Mineral exploitation was common here, and caused expanded trade but also disagreements. It was common for rulers and leaders to be women, and they were known for their use of the bow and arrow. Slowly, over time, the land was taken over and Africanized, eventually being taken over by Christianity in some areas as well.

Iron Gilding Becomes Known In China

600 BCE

The Iron Age in China was extremely important not only for life in China, but became a huge commodity in trade. Weapons were made to be stronger than bronze weapons. Iron was sought after by those who wanted to win wars, and trading iron within China was popular.

Beginning of Buddhism as a Religion

563 BCE

This was one of the most important times in the Classical Era because of the spread of Buddhism and its affect on Asian culture. The historical Buddha was born in 5th Century BCE. This was a major contributor to social changes in Asia. Trade routes in India helped the spread of the religion as merchants often took teachings back with them. It also spread up through northern Asia (China), and down to the island countries in Asia. Cotton was a major export of India.

Confucianism in China Begins

551 BCE

Though Buddhism was making its way through China, one of the most important figures in Chinese history, Confucius, has his own philosophies that shaped Chinese culture. These ideas spread through China along with merchant trading. The Silk Road was big for trade along northern China, as silk was Chinas biggest export.

Darius I Rules Persian Empire

522 BCE

Roman Republic Begins

507 BCE

Approx. 10% of the Roman Empire died due to small pox. Disease was rampant here as trade relations were common. Merchant ships bringing livestock also harbored disease. These deaths were one of the major contributors to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Athenian Empire in Greece Begins

477 BCE

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens. Between these areas was a lot of traded goods and ideas. They were well known for the militia, their boats (which developed over time), and their trade goods. There was also a common coinage between them.

Hanno Explores West African Coast

465 BCE

He was well known for traveling by boat around and down the West Coast of Africa. His main objective was to colonize these areas, as he had an advanced militia with him, technologically forward boats, as well as knowledge on how to colonize.

End of the Persian Wars

448 BCE

Kingdom of Meroe in Nubia

400 BCE

Sitting at the crossroads of several trade routes, trade was heavily popular here throughout the Kingdom. It was considered a wealthy metropolis, known for its export of crops, livestock, and goods.It also broke away from Egyptian culture, by replacing its writing system. The Lanteen sail is also believed to be taken from here. This was a pivotal moment in transportation and the wind took the boat from behind the sail.

Trial and Death of Socrates

399 BCE

Socrates was known for his philosophy and influence on culture in the West of the Mediterranean. He was known for teaching higher thinking and had many students. He was also accused of Atheism, which was a big problem in his country. He attempted to flee execution.

Alexander the Great Conquers Western Asia

334 BCE

This begins the start of the Hellenistic Period. He served as King of Macedonia for almost ten years. One of his major contributions in history is uniting Greece. He became the King of Persia, Babylon, and Asia at certain times. He died of Malaria in Babylon (modern day Iraq).

Ptolemaic Kings Rule Egypt

323 BCE

Qin Emperor Unites Eastern China

221 BCE

Though this period was brief, it was still very important to China's history. Because of the militia and beliefs as well as the resources Qin Empire held, they were able to unite Eastern China. As ideas spread, eastern China gave birth to a structured government and law.

Han Dynasty Begins Rule in China

206 BCE

Shortly after this dynasty begins, disease carried to China, such as smallpox, nearly destroyed half the population of northern China. After the fall of the Han Dynasty, the Black Plague was brought to China, and furthermore, Buddhist monks carried it to Japan.

Julius Caesar Rules the Roman Empire

31 BCE

Caesar is a figure known well even now, due to his many contributions to the Roman Empire. He was a military leader, and conquered many lands, eventually making Gaul a Roman Provence after pushing the Germans out. He also affected Egypt as he had personal relations with the leader Cleopatra, and eventually was involved in two more battles in that area.

Jesus is born and thus begins Christianity

4

This religion was spread through all popular trade networks surrounding the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean sea. It survived through persecutions by the Roman Empire. This created a foundation within the Roman Empire of a union of church and state. This religion also spread as far as the Silk Road. Though it didn't have the same success, it merged in some areas with Buddhist beliefs.

Jesus' Crucifixion

30

Life of the Apostle Paul

45

Dedicated many years to spread the Christian religion throughout the Mediterranean.