Which of the following best explains why the trade route from portugal to india went around africa instead of across the mediterranean sea? a. the weather was more unpredictable in the mediterranean than in the atlantic ocean. b. it was quicker to sail around africa than to travel through the mediterranean sea. c. arab and italian merchants controlled the mediterranean trade routes. d. portugal wanted to set a record for traveling the farthest by boat.

Option C

Explanation:

Arab and Italian merchants controlled the Mediterranean trade routes, is the correct answer.

In 9th-century Maritime trade routes of Indian Ocean were in control of Arabs while During middle ages the Spice trade with India was done through Mediterranean trade routes. The Mediterranean route was controlled by Venetians and Genoese traders. But during 15th century, a new trade route via the Cape of Good Hope was discovered by the Portuguese, the superior maritime technology eroded the base of Arabs and Italians.