Historic Trade Routes Connecting Europe to the Orient

Overland Routes

• Silk Road: Network linking China, Middle East, Europe, Africa; silk, tea, spices, gold.
• Incense Route: Arabia to India, SE Asia, China; frankincense, myrrh.
• Spice Route: India, SE Asia, China to Europe; cinnamon, cloves, pepper.

Maritime Routes

• Red Sea Route: Mediterranean to Indian Ocean; Europe, Africa, Asia trade.
• Persian Gulf Route: Persian Gulf to Indian Ocean; Middle East, India, China.
• Indian Ocean Route: Indian Ocean to South China Sea; India, SE Asia, China.