What was the Indian Ocean trade network?

The Indian Ocean trade network was a vast network of trade routes that connected the countries of the Indian Ocean rim, including India, Arabia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This network of trade routes was active from at least the 1st century AD and continued to be used until the 15th century AD when the Portuguese began to explore the Atlantic Ocean.

The Indian Ocean trade network was a vital part of the global economy, connecting the cultures and economies of the Indian Ocean rim, as well as those of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The trade network was used to transport a wide variety of goods, including spices, textiles, precious metals, and slaves.

The Indian Ocean trade network was also a conduit for the spread of culture and ideas, including the spread of Islam and Buddhism. The trade network also allowed for the transfer of technology, such as the use of the compass and the astrolabe.

The decline of the Indian Ocean trade network was caused by a variety of factors, including the rise of the Portuguese Empire, the discovery of the Americas, and the development of the Silk Road.