Page 7 - Networks of Exchange 1200-1450

Trade Routes - Indian Ocean

Trade

● Trade flourished in the Indian Ocean basin

● The rise of the Umayyad (661–750 CE) and Abbasid

(750–1258) caliphates on the Arabian Peninsula

provided a powerful western node for the trade

routes.

● Islam valued merchants, the Prophet Muhammad

himself was a trader and caravan leader, and

wealthy Muslim cities created an enormous demand

for luxury goods.

● The Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties

in China also emphasized trade and industry,

developing strong trade ties along the land-based

Silk Roads, and encouraging maritime trade.

● The Song rulers even created a powerful imperial

navy to control piracy on the eastern end of the

route.