Final answer:
The Indian Ocean facilitated the exchange of a variety of goods and commodities in the eastern hemisphere, including ivory, spices, porcelain, and slaves. Trade routes connected Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and East Asia, with the coastal regions of East Africa serving as important hubs in the Indian Ocean trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Indian Ocean played a significant role in facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between different regions. Along with spices, silks, and cottons, several other products and commodities made their way to the eastern hemisphere through the Indian Ocean. Some of these included ivory, tortoise shells, dried coconut, animal skins, cowrie shells, porcelain, gold, palm oil, and slaves.
Trade routes connected Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and East Asia, fostering a vibrant network of trade and cultural exchange. The coastal regions of East Africa served as important hubs in the Indian Ocean trade, connecting Africa to South and East Asia.
The monsoon winds played a crucial role in facilitating this trade, making it easier for ships to sail between different regions. The exchange of goods and commodities across the Indian Ocean contributed to the prosperity and diversity of societies in the eastern hemisphere during this period.