Commerce in the Indian Ocean region from 650 CE to 1750 CE?

- Chinese and Indian traders dominated the trade in luxury goods such as silk and spices.

- The rise of Islam led to the expansion of trade routes across the Indian Ocean and the emergence of new trading partners, such as the Arab caliphates and the Persian Empire.

- Trading cities, such as Siraf and Basra in the Middle East and Malabar in India, became important hubs for trade.

Middle period (1000-1500 CE)

- Chinese economic and political power decline.

- The Chinese monopoly on the spice trade declines.

- South Indian empires, notably the Cholas, become new dominant mercantile powers.

- Southeast Asia's maritime empires become powerful.

- The Indian Ocean becomes a contested maritime space between Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian powers.

- Rise of the Swahili city-states along the East African coast, which became important centers of trade for gold, ivory, and slaves.

Late period (1500-1750 CE)

- European explorers and traders, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French, arrive in the Indian Ocean region and establish trading posts and colonies.

- European demand for Asian luxury goods, such as tea, spices, and silk, increased, leading to further growth in trade.

- The Indian Ocean trade routes became increasingly important for the global economy, and the region became a major center of commerce and cultural exchange.

- Establishment of European dominance: During this time, European powers such as Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands explored and established trading posts, colonies, and forts along the coasts of Africa and Asia.

- Slave trade: The Indian Ocean trade also included the slave trade, with many African slaves being transported from Africa to the Middle East and India.

- Indian Ocean trading networks declined substantially over the course of the 18th century as the Atlantic Ocean became the dominant trade route for Europe.