Table of Contents
What city states dominated the spice trade?
Spice trade
- The spice trade involved historical civilizations in Asia, Northeast Africa and Europe.
- The aspect of the trade was dominated by the Austronesian peoples in Southeast Asia who established the precursor trade routes from Southeast Asia (and later China) to Sri Lanka and India by at least 1500 BC.
What country dominated the spice trade?
Under the command of Pedro Álvares Cabral, a Portuguese expedition was the first to bring spices from India to Europe by way of the Cape of Good Hope in 1501. Portugal went on to dominate the naval trading routes through much of the 16th century.
What was 1 city state that controlled the European spice trade?
Between the period 9 -15th century, the Republic of Venice held the monopoly of European trade including spices with the Middle East. Spices were among the most expensive and in-demand products during that period, used mainly in medicine and as an ingredient in different food dishes, perfumes and wine.
Which country took over the spice trade after Portugal?
With the waning power of the Portuguese apparent, the Dutch and the English saw their opportunity to gain power in the spice trade world in India. The Dutch entered the competition in earnest at the end of the 16th century.
What happened during the spice trade?
The spice trade was important during ancient times and the Middle Ages. Spices led to the creation of vast empires and powerful cities. When Europeans heard of spices like cinnamon, pepper, ginger and vanilla they travelled to Asia to bring them home. People used spices to flavour their food and make them taste better.
How did the 15th century change the spice trade?
In the 15th century, the spice trade was transformed by the European Age of Discovery. By this time, navigational equipment was better and long-haul sailing became possible. Rich entrepreneurs began outfitting explorers in hopes of circumventing Venice by discovering new ways to reach the areas where spices were grown.
Where was the spice trade located?
The Spice Routes, also known as Maritime Silk Roads, is the name given to the network of sea routes that link the East with the West. They stretch from the west coast of Japan, through the islands of Indonesia, around India to the lands of the Middle East – and from there, across the Mediterranean to Europe.
Where did the spice trade start?
Middle East
The spice trade began in the Middle East over 4,000 years ago. Arabic spice merchants would create a sense of mystery by withholding the origins of their wares, and would ensure high prices by telling fantastic tales about fighting off fierce winged creatures to reach spices growing high on cliff walls.