The Frankincense Route, also known as the Incense Road, was an ancient trade route between Europe and Asia. At that time, precious incense such as frankincense and myrrh were high-value fragrances found only in the growing regions of Arabia, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The route began in the far eastern part of southern Arabia and continued all the way to the northern port of the Sinai Peninsula, by the Mediterranean Sea.

Caravan of merchants on camels would transport the fragrances through the desert, crossing through the ancient Greco-Roman territories. Southern Arabian merchants then became incredibly wealthy as they increased their trade from incense to also include spices, textiles, gold, ivory, pearls, and other luxury goods they received at their ports arriving from Africa, India, and the Far East. Because trading was so successful, the Frankincense Route flourished from the 3rd century BCE all the way through the 2nd century CE.

The ruins of the ancient trading posts and caravan oasis still remain today, along with the fragrant frankincense trees that line the desert path.

Copyright © ProjectExplorer 2009
Text: Clare Fogerty
Image: frankincense & myrrh