_ 7 _ Introduction The trade between the East and the West has, since ancient times, followed two primary routes: the first through the Red Sea and Egypt, and the second through the Arabian Gulf, Iraq, and the Levant, both of which were under Arab control. These routes were frequently disrupted due to political conflicts and disputes. Whenever both routes were closed, luxury goods ceased to reach Europe, except for those that arrived via Central Asia. At the beginning of the 15th century, goods reached Europe through Genoa and Venice ("Venezia"). However, Genoa lost its commercial standing after the Ottomans conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and the ongoing conflict between Venice and the Mamluks in Egypt further removed Venice from competition. The search for a direct route connecting Europe to India became the ambition of all
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