Spice Trade
Definition
The Spice Trade was a commercial activity during ancient times through Middle Ages where spices were imported from lands around Indian Ocean to Western European markets via land or sea routes.
Analogy
Imagine if your favorite candy was only available in one store across town. You'd probably go out of your way - maybe even pay extra - just for that special treat. That's how Europeans felt about spices like pepper and cinnamon!
Related terms
Silk Road: An ancient network of trade routes that connected East Asia with Mediterranean world including parts of North Africa and Europe.
Age Of Discovery/Exploration: A period in history starting in late 15th century when European explorers set sail seeking new trade routes leading them discovering new continents.
Monsoon Marketplace: A historical term referring to the network of maritime trade routes that connected China, India, Thailand, Indonesian archipelago, Philippines, Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
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