The correct answer is Option (2) → Red Sea
Erythraean was the Greek name for the Red Sea. It is one of the most saline bodies of water in the world. Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia.
The following excerpt is from the "Periplus of the Erythraean Sea," written by an anonymous Greek sailor around the first century CE:
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.
Archaeological findings indicate a bead-making industry using precious and semi-precious stones discovered in Kodumanal (Tamil Nadu). It is highly probable that local traders transported the stones mentioned in the Periplus from places like Kodumanal to the coastal ports for trade and export. |
