- During the period between 250 BC and 250 AD, a maritime sea
route existed between Alexandra in Northern Africa and China.
As trade took place along this route, a number of kingdoms rose
to power, flush with finances from trade. These kingdoms all
came into being around the same time, and all waned around the
same time. The map below illustrates the route. Arab and Indian
dhows sailed down the Red Sea to Palk Bay in Sri Lanka. Indian
dhows traveled from India as far as Malacca where they met Chinese
junks. Some Chinese junks traveled as far as Sri Lanka where
they met Arabs. Individual sections of this ancient maritime
trade route are dealt with in detail through the menus below.
To visit the various kingdoms, click on their location on the
map. (Best viewed at 1024 X 768 resolution)
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