The Amazing History of the Incense Route
If you enjoy the history of all things aromatic, the incense route through the Middle East is sure to tempt you with its stories of legendary caravans transporting incense, myrrh, gold and nearly everything of any value from Yemen to the Gaza port in Israel.
History of the Incense Route
The incense route, as it was nearly 2000 years ago, was a series of different routes extending from Egypt, Northeast Africa, India, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The predominant traffic coursed through these areas and provided a connection between the spice and silk trade of India, African gold and woods, along with myrrh and frankincense of the Middle East. Most of which eventually sailed from the port at Gaza toward the markets of the Roman Empire.
During its busiest period, from roughly the 3rd century BCE until the 2nd century CE, the route flourished and was the hub of nearly all trade related to incense and spice over a more than 2400 km span of the Middle East, the northern coast of Africa and India.
Four cities, Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit and Shivta, located in the Negev Desert, all played important roles in the development of the Mediterranean terminus of the incense route. Because of the wealth derived from the trade and sale of goods along this trade route, these four cities flourished and were much more technologically advanced than most during that time period. These areas featured the most advanced irrigation systems, fortresses and luxurious roadside inns for weary travellers. Many of these structures are still in place today and are worthwhile to look at as well as study for their historical value.
As you can well imagine life along the trade route, especially if you were part of a caravan carrying priceless valuables, was extremely dangerous on a day-to-day basis. There was the constant chance of ambush and robbery, not to mention the harsh environment of the desert. Anyone travelling with a caravan taking this route had to be alert at all times and have the ability to survive long days in desert heat and even longer freezing nights. However, the monetary gain was well worth these dangers and the demands it put upon those who travelled with these caravans. To be sure, it was literally, a hard road to travel.
The Incense Route Today
Today, many of the landmarks along the incense road have vanished. There are, however, a few examples of the opulence that once gained its wealth from the goods that were traded along it. These ruins feature fortresses, churches, merchant storefronts, bathhouses and guard towers, as well as man other interesting sites. Many of these areas are accessible by jeep or bus and can still be toured.
Today, we can find the incense and most of the exotic items that we've come to love at the local retail store or international specialty store. It's hard to imagine those items travelling through dangerous kingdoms or caravans being plagued by ominous thieves in antiquity. But even then, our distant ancestors knew what we know today: There are some things in life that are worth the risk.
History of the Incense Route
The incense route, as it was nearly 2000 years ago, was a series of different routes extending from Egypt, Northeast Africa, India, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The predominant traffic coursed through these areas and provided a connection between the spice and silk trade of India, African gold and woods, along with myrrh and frankincense of the Middle East. Most of which eventually sailed from the port at Gaza toward the markets of the Roman Empire.
During its busiest period, from roughly the 3rd century BCE until the 2nd century CE, the route flourished and was the hub of nearly all trade related to incense and spice over a more than 2400 km span of the Middle East, the northern coast of Africa and India.
Four cities, Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit and Shivta, located in the Negev Desert, all played important roles in the development of the Mediterranean terminus of the incense route. Because of the wealth derived from the trade and sale of goods along this trade route, these four cities flourished and were much more technologically advanced than most during that time period. These areas featured the most advanced irrigation systems, fortresses and luxurious roadside inns for weary travellers. Many of these structures are still in place today and are worthwhile to look at as well as study for their historical value.
As you can well imagine life along the trade route, especially if you were part of a caravan carrying priceless valuables, was extremely dangerous on a day-to-day basis. There was the constant chance of ambush and robbery, not to mention the harsh environment of the desert. Anyone travelling with a caravan taking this route had to be alert at all times and have the ability to survive long days in desert heat and even longer freezing nights. However, the monetary gain was well worth these dangers and the demands it put upon those who travelled with these caravans. To be sure, it was literally, a hard road to travel.
The Incense Route Today
Today, many of the landmarks along the incense road have vanished. There are, however, a few examples of the opulence that once gained its wealth from the goods that were traded along it. These ruins feature fortresses, churches, merchant storefronts, bathhouses and guard towers, as well as man other interesting sites. Many of these areas are accessible by jeep or bus and can still be toured.
Today, we can find the incense and most of the exotic items that we've come to love at the local retail store or international specialty store. It's hard to imagine those items travelling through dangerous kingdoms or caravans being plagued by ominous thieves in antiquity. But even then, our distant ancestors knew what we know today: There are some things in life that are worth the risk.
Source...