Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (Περίπλους τῆς Ἐρυθρᾶς Θαλάσσης)

Life The author of the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is anonymous but was clearly a Greek-speaking merchant from Roman Egypt, likely based at Berenice on the Red Sea [1][2]. He demonstrates first-hand, practical knowledge of navigation, ports, and commodities along trade routes from Egypt to East Africa and western India [1][3]. Internal references to King Malichus II (c. 40–70 CE) and the Saka satrap Nahapana date the text to the mid-1st century CE [1][2][4].

Works * Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (Περίπλους τῆς Ἐρυθρᾶς Θαλάσσης) – An extant, practical guide to trade and navigation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean, written in straightforward Koine Greek.

Significance This work is a historical document of exceptional importance, providing a contemporary snapshot of 1st-century CE maritime commerce connecting the Roman Empire with Arabia, Africa, and India [1][2]. It details ports, political conditions, and commodities, offering a crucial ground-level view of ancient economic networks and early globalization [1][3].

Sources 1. Encyclopædia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Periplus-of-the-Erythraean-Sea 2. World History Encyclopedia: https://www.worldhistory.org/Periplus_of_the_Erythraean_Sea/ 3. Perseus Digital Library: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0225 4. ToposText: https://topostext.org/work/852