During the fifteenth century, trade patterns in the Afro-Eurasian world underwent significant changes due to the rise of maritime trade routes and the increasing influence of European powers. The establishment of direct sea routes to Asia, particularly by Portuguese explorers, facilitated the exchange of spices, silks, and other luxury goods, diminishing the role of overland Silk Road routes. Additionally, the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and the consolidation of trade networks in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans allowed for greater connectivity between Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading to a more integrated global economy. These shifts laid the groundwork for the Age of Exploration and the eventual emergence of global trade systems.
Europeans began exploring the world in the late fifteenth century primarily due to a desire for new trade routes and access to valuable commodities like spices, silk, and precious metals. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 disrupted traditional trade routes to Asia, prompting nations like Spain and Portugal to seek alternative paths. Advances in navigation technology and a spirit of curiosity driven by the Renaissance also fueled exploration. Additionally, the competition for empire and spreading Christianity motivated European powers to expand their influence globally.
In the second half of the fifteenth century, Europeans ventured into the sea primarily to seek new trade routes and access valuable resources, particularly spices, silks, and precious metals. The desire to bypass intermediaries in the lucrative trade with Asia and the pursuit of wealth, coupled with the spirit of exploration and competition among emerging nation-states, drove these maritime expeditions. Additionally, advancements in navigation technology and the desire for territorial expansion fueled their maritime endeavors.
In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the governments of Europe wanted to find sea trade routes to East Asia. They also wanted gold and silver.
Access to trade routes
Portuguese traders accounted for 95% of the slave trade in the fifteenth century.
ghana
A network of long distance trade routes dominated by Muslim merchants.
a network of long distance trade routes dominated by muslim merchants.
Hospitality thrived in the 17th century to the 20th century because travel routes continued to blossom. Most of the people who opened inns and motels targeted travelers who needed to rest around common trade routes.
The Ottoman Empire and Venice controlled existing trade routes to Asia and made European merchants pay taxes.
During the fifteenth century, trade patterns in the Afro-Eurasian world underwent significant changes due to the rise of maritime trade routes and the increasing influence of European powers. The establishment of direct sea routes to Asia, particularly by Portuguese explorers, facilitated the exchange of spices, silks, and other luxury goods, diminishing the role of overland Silk Road routes. Additionally, the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and the consolidation of trade networks in the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans allowed for greater connectivity between Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading to a more integrated global economy. These shifts laid the groundwork for the Age of Exploration and the eventual emergence of global trade systems.
The Dutch took control of the spice trade from the Portugese in the fifteenth century.
Spices
Trade routes, axum was the center of ancient trade. Until Islams rose to power in the seventh century. The Islams changed the trade routes.
Spices
spices,silk,and jewels