Explain the similarities and differences among the various networks of exchange in the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450.

The Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade routes were similar because they both spread the Black Plague, went over water (silk went over land mostly though) and they both spread religion and cultures. Differences are they spread different religions, Indian Ocean trade routes carried more bulk goods while Silk did more luxury goods and Indian Ocean trade routes were sea based trade routes based off of monsoon winds while Silk Roads were relay trade routes.