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

Answer 1

From 650 CE to 1750 CE, commerce in the Indian ocean region flourished, driven by the expansion of trade networks connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Key goods traded included spices, textiles, precious metals, and agricultural products, with major trading hubs emerging in ports like Calicut, Zanzibar, and Hormuz. The rise of powerful maritime empires, such as the Portuguese and later the Dutch and British, transformed trade dynamics, introducing European influence and competition. Additionally, the spread of Islam facilitated cultural exchanges and the establishment of a shared commercial culture among diverse trading communities.