Summary
Trade in the Eastern Hemisphere
A Byzantine ship with a lateen sail, circa 880

A Byzantine ship with a lateen sail, circa 880

Long distance maritime and land trade introduced people across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to diverse foods, commodities, and technologies. In addition, travelers along the trade routes exchanged ideas and religions. While the most significant land route for trade were the Silk Roads, the Indian Ocean was the central body of water connecting the peoples of the eastern hemisphere.