|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
n |
In the overall
system profits
|
|
|
were gained from
|
|
|
commerce in both
long
|
|
|
distance luxury
items and
|
|
|
shorter distance
bulk goods.
|
|
n |
Most of the trade
passed
|
|
|
along safer
coastal routes,
|
|
|
converging in
vital
|
|
|
intersections at
the
|
|
|
openings of the
Red Sea
|
|
|
and Persian
Gulf, and the
|
|
|
Straits of
Malacca.
|
|
|
n |
The system had
two critical
|
|
|
characteristics:
no central
|
|
|
control and no
military
|
|
|
force.
|
|