Page 9 - Networks of Exchange 1200-1450
P. 9
Trade Routes - Indian Ocean
Trade
● For centuries, China had mostly allowed foreign
traders to come to it.
● Everyone wanted Chinese goods, and foreigners were
more than willing to take the time and trouble of
visiting coastal China to procure fine silks,
porcelain, and other items.
● In 1405, the Yongle Emperor of China's new Ming
Dynasty sent out the first of seven expeditions to
visit all of the empire's major trading partners
around the Indian Ocean.
● The Ming treasure ships under Admiral Zheng He
traveled all the way to East Africa, bring back
emissaries and trade goods from across the region.
