Treasures of the East Indies - POSTPONED

For over 4,000 years these islands provided a valuable source of spices to the world.

(Image - map of the region from 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' by Abraham Ortelius 1571.)

For centuries, the East Indies provided a rich source of wealth to the world. The amazingly productive region saw numerous voyages of exploration and conquest, witnessed the rise and fall of empires and the then biggest economic power in world history. The exploration of the Far East also led to extensive mapping of the western and northern coast lines of the Australian continent. Its rich and diverse flora and fauna also contributed to one of, if not the greatest advances in scientific knowledge.