Question

Looking at the map, spices traveled from Southeast Asia to Africa by

Answer 1

Silk or sea routes?

Answer 2

Spices traveled from Southeast Asia to Africa primarily via maritime trade routes across the Indian Ocean. Traders would use dhows and other types of ships to transport spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon from the Spice Islands (the Moluccas) and other regions in Southeast Asia to various trading ports along the coast of Africa, particularly in places like Zanzibar and Mombasa.

These trade routes were part of a larger network that connected Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, facilitating the exchange of spices, textiles, and other goods. The demand for spices in Europe also played a significant role in the establishment and expansion of these trade networks.

Answer 3

When discussing the trade of spices from Southeast Asia to Africa, it is primarily the **sea routes** that were utilized. While the **Silk Road** is historically significant for the overland trade of silk and other goods between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, the spice trade relied heavily on maritime routes across the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean trade network allowed for the transportation of goods such as spices, silks, and precious metals and facilitated commerce between East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Key ports and trading hubs developed along the coasts, where merchant ships would transfer cargo and goods.

In summary, spices from Southeast Asia to Africa predominantly traveled via **sea routes** rather than the Silk Road.