THE SPICE TRADE
1.
The
trade of spices has played an important role throughout history. Spices have
historically been very precious, expensive, and in high demand. Many spices originated
from the Spice Islands, also known as the Maluccas, within Indonesia.
Originally, Arab spice merchants controlled the spice trade, and brought spices
throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe using camel caravans over land
routes, such as the Silk Road. These Arab merchants did not divulge the
location of the Spice Islands, which added to the mystery surrounding spices,
and ensured high prices.
2.
Many
groups battled for control of the spice trade over the years. In the first
century B.C., the Roman Empire set up an important trading post in Alexandria,
and was responsible for all the spices entering the Greek and Roman areas. In
the mid-13th century, Venice became a prominent trade port, and
became the Western link to Eastern spices. Europe was unable to circumvent
these trading ports and get to the spices directly, so prices became so high it
was nearly impossible for most people to pay it. There are even some instances
of spices being so valuable that people were paid in spices. For example, Roman
soldiers were sometimes paid in salt, leading to the word “salary.” So, spices
became a symbol of wealth and status in Europe. Spices were also coveted in
Europe for their flavor in food, medicinal values, and use in Christian
worship.
3.
Europe’s
desire for the spices themselves, but more importantly, for the power and
profit of controlling its trade, led to the Age of Discovery. Frustrated with
the Arab-Venetian trade monopoly on spices, Spain and Portugal led expeditions
in search of a shortcut to the Spice Islands. Christopher Columbus set sail
looking for a shortcut to India on behalf of Spain. Although he never found the
East Indies, he instead found the Americas and brought spices such as chili
peppers and vanilla back to Europe. The Portuguese Empire was successful when
Vasco da Gama sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and landed on the Malabar
Coast of India. This success allowed Europe access to the Eastern spices, as
well as creating a worldwide trade network and encouraging global exploration.
Link to relevant websites:
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/spices-how-search-flavors-influenced-our-world
http://www.silkroadspices.ca/history-of-spice-trade
Photo citations:
1. http://spicesherbscentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/spices-herbs-kuala-lumpur.jpg
2. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Silk_route.jpg
3. http://18explorers.tripod.com/Vasco%20Da%20Gama.jpg
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