Incense trade route

The incense trade route was an ancient network of land and sea routes carrying frankincense and myrrh from southern Arabia to Mediterranean markets.

Frankincense: An aromatic resin harvested from trees of the genus Boswellia and burned as incense. This resin was one of the route’s principal exports.
Hadramawt: A historical region in southern Arabia, centered in present-day eastern Yemen. Its Boswellia groves supplied resin that entered the northbound trade.
Nabataeans: An ancient Arab people whose kingdom and trade network were centered on Petra. Nabataean merchants became major intermediaries in incense moving toward the Mediterranean.
Ancient Egyptian religion: The religious traditions and practices of ancient Egypt, centered on gods, ritual, and the afterlife. Frankincense and myrrh were valued in Egyptian temple rites and funerary practices.
Roman annexation of Nabataea: Rome’s incorporation of the Nabataean Kingdom as the province of Arabia in 106 CE. Annexation brought a major northbound incense-trading power under Roman rule.
Myrrh: An aromatic gum resin from Commiphora trees, used in incense, perfumes, and medicines. Its trade traveled alongside frankincense from southern Arabia.
Sabaean Kingdom: An ancient South Arabian kingdom centered in what is now Yemen. Sabaean power and commerce helped shape early Arabian caravan networks.
Strabo: A Greek geographer and historian who lived from about 64 BCE to 24 CE. His Geography describes Arabian trade, routes, and the commercial role of Petra.
Ancient Greek religion: The religious beliefs and ritual practices of ancient Greek communities. Burning imported incense became part of Greek offerings and worship.
Aelius Gallus expedition: A Roman military expedition into Arabia led by Aelius Gallus around 26–25 BCE. The campaign sought access to Arabian wealth but failed to conquer the region.

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