Practicing Success
The following excerpt is from the "Periplus of the Erythraean Sea," written by an anonymous Greek sailor around the first century CE: |
Which valuable mineral was imported and used as a colourant? |
Copper Tin Lead Antimony |
Antimony |
Traders from foreign lands send large ships to market-towns in the regions described due to the abundant supply of pepper and possibly cinnamon (malabathrum). Various valuable goods are imported here, including a substantial amount of coins, topaz, antimony (used as a colorant), coral, crude glass, copper, tin, and lead. In return, pepper is primarily exported from a specific region near these markets. Additionally, substantial quantities of fine pearls, ivory, silk cloth, various transparent stones, diamonds, sapphires, and tortoise shell are also exported. |