Pepper Trade in Antiquity: Insights from the Berenike Excavations

Introduction

The ancient spice trade was a crucial aspect of global commerce, connecting distant civilizations through the exchange of valuable goods. Among these, black pepper was one of the most prized commodities, particularly in the Roman Empire. Recent archaeological discoveries at the Red Sea port of Berenike provide fascinating insights into the trade networks that existed between India and the Mediterranean world during the late first century BCE and early first century CE.

Discovery at Berenike

Excavations at Berenike, a significant port on the Red Sea, have revealed evidence of a thriving trade network between India and the Roman Empire. Among the most remarkable findings was the discovery of approximately 7.5 kilograms of black peppercorns (Piper nigrum) stored in an Indian dolium, a large storage jar. This jar was found buried in the courtyard floor of the Serapis temple at the site, highlighting the importance of pepper as a commodity during this period.

The Indian Dolium

The storage jar, identified as an Indian dolium, was a large ceramic vessel commonly used for storing and transporting goods over long distances. The presence of such a jar in Berenike, filled with peppercorns, suggests direct trade links between India and the Red Sea region. The pepper, likely originating from the Malabar coast of India, was transported via maritime routes to ports like Berenike, from where it would have been distributed throughout the Roman Empire.

The Serapis Temple Context

The dolium was discovered in the courtyard of the Serapis temple, a significant religious site at Berenike. The temple’s association with trade and commerce is underscored by the discovery of the peppercorns, which were likely stored for safekeeping or ritualistic purposes. The Serapis temple served as a focal point for traders and travelers, further indicating the integration of commerce and religion in ancient societies.

Significance of the Discovery

This discovery is of immense historical significance as it provides tangible evidence of the extensive trade networks that existed between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman Empire. The transportation of black pepper, a highly valued spice, from India to Berenike demonstrates the sophistication of ancient maritime trade routes and the demand for exotic goods in the Mediterranean world.

The discovery also highlights the role of Berenike as a major hub in the spice trade, facilitating the movement of goods between the East and the West. The presence of Indian-made storage jars in the Serapis temple context points to the cultural and economic exchanges that took place at this site.

References

1. Sidebotham, S. E. (2011). Berenike and the Ancient Maritime Spice Route. University of California Press. This book provides an in-depth exploration of the archaeological findings at Berenike, including the discovery of Indian-made storage jars and the black pepper they contained, highlighting the trade networks between India and the Roman Empire.

2. Cappers, R. T. J. (2006). The Food Economy in Berenike: An Archaeological Perspective. This study discusses the various foodstuffs, including black pepper, found at the Berenike site, with specific references to the dolium storage jar uncovered in the Serapis temple courtyard, providing insights into the economic activities at this ancient port.

3. Peacock, D. P. S., & Blue, L. (2006). Myos Hormos - Quseir al-Qadim: Roman and Islamic Ports on the Red Sea Coast of Egypt, Volume 2: Finds from the Excavations 1999-2003. This volume includes information on the ceramics discovered at Berenike, including the Indian dolium, and their significance in understanding the trade links between the Indian Ocean and the Roman Empire.