ABSTRACT
In the millennium from the sixth century BC to the seventh century AD, lands at a distinct remove from the Indian Ocean joined in a significant way in its (mainly spice) trade. These were Mediterranean Europe (specifically Greece and Italy) to the west, and China to the east. The shift resulted from the expansion of trade, and with it of civilization, to Mediterranean Europe and China, causing them to emerge politically and militarily. They then used their new strength to reach out for a controlling share of the trade that had called them into life. India, although still divided into many small states, linked up with the new outside forces to its own commercial benefit. This chapter will trace the aspirations of Persia to lead in this period, its long struggle against Greece for that position, and the final Greek triumph. It will then trace the rise of Rome, with its conquest and domination of the Greeks and their trading success. It will show how, after the decline of Roman power, the Persians would again make a bid for trading and military dominance, only to be thwarted all over again by the Greeks (this time of the Byzantine Empire).
