The Indian Ocean trade network was crucial for the exchange of not only goods but also __________ between different civilizations, showcasing the interconnectedness of cultures.

The Indian Ocean trade network was crucial for the exchange of not only goods but also ideas, religions, and knowledge between different civilizations, showcasing the interconnectedness of cultures. Traders carried spices, textiles, and precious metals, but they also carried stories, scientific techniques, and religious beliefs across the sea. For example, Buddhist monks from India traveled to China via maritime routes, spreading Buddhist teachings and influencing Chinese art and philosophy. This flow of ideas helped create shared cultural practices, such as the use of similar architectural styles and calendar systems, linking distant societies into a vibrant, interconnected world.