Spices were always considered as the gold of the Indies. Cinnamon, ginger and pepper were difficult products to obtain and of high price and for which the caravans or merchants coming from the East were always expected.
The control of the route allowed Portugal the establishment of numerous commercial positions, factories and strengths along all the route and Eastern and African territories and allowed him to expand his empire considerably. He was also able to control trade not only with India but also with Southeast Asia, China and Japan. At its moment of greatest power, Portugal completely controlled the Indian Ocean.
Portugal came to control the Indian Ocean thanks to its naval power and the weapons that their ships possessed.
