The spice trade had existed in the early 16th century before the Ottoman conquests of the Muslim states, but Portugal was able to do it around Africa to Western Europe.[2] Despite Ottoman control of Egypt, Portugal continued to rule the seas for a number of decades; not until the Ottoman conquest of Aden in 1538 did the Portuguese grip begin to loosen, which led to direct conflict between the two powers, and a revival of the Red Sea spice trade, allowing the Ottomans to influence the Red Sea.[3]