Indian Ocean Trade System
More impressive, less known Silk Road
Where?
-all along the eastern side of Africa
-up and around Saudi Arabia
-along the coast around Asia
-ends at the north-eastern tip of China
-also includes Indonesia and some other island
What?
Not just luxury goods!
Large boats made it possible to carry items in bulk / bigger items!!
Some of the main exports
Timber
From Africa
Ivory
From Africa and India
Coffee
From the Muslim world / Islamic state
Made possible by monsoons!
Monsoons and their impact on the Indian Ocean trade route
Monsoon: a warm wind that brings rain, follows a schedule, very predictable
-made travel easier and less risky
-carried ships at specific times in the year
Spreading of ideas and new inventions
Spread Islamic religion all the way to Indonesia!
Brought up many important city centers such as the Swahili Coast and Srivijaya!
Lead to the creation of: the astrolabe, the magnetic compass, stern post rudders for ships, along with the triangular lateen sail!
What else was traded?
Africa- timber, animal skins/hides, ivory, gold
China- silk & porcelain
India- cotton cloth & ivory
SE Asia- spices & rice
Sri Lanka- black pepper
Muslim/Islamic state- coffee, books, weapons
And many more valuables!!
"Reliance on trade makes you especially vulnerable to the people."
-John Green