The Frankincense Route was an ancient incense trade route between Europe and Asia. Frankincense is a special type of tree sap that is used to make perfume and incense.

Caravans of southern Arabian merchants became very 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 in the 3rd century BCE all the way through the 2nd century CE.

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Text: Clare Fogerty
Image: frankincense & myrrh