Part of Kerala Food Black pepper, piper nigum, and the world's most widely used spice is indigenous to the rain forests of Kerala. From very ancient times this priced spice has played an important role in Kerala Food and also promoting trade between the East and the West. Pepper had a colorful history as it followed the trade routes to the west.
From the earliest days of navigation nomadic Arabs and ancient Phoenicians were trading with the southwest India. During the early pre-Christian era sea trade between Middle East and India was in the hands of Arabs. They transported spices, incense, and oils from the East by land as well as through the Persian Gulf to Arabia. South Arabia became the great spice emporium of the ancient world.
The seamen of Ptolemaic Egypt were reluctant to risk a long voyage close to the Arab-controlled shoreline of India. During the reign of Ptolemy II and Ptolemy III, seaports were built along the shores of the Red Sea. Around 116 B.C., while Ptolemy VII was the king, a Greek sailor managed to sail with the winds and reach India's southwest coast, marking the beginnings of a thriving Egyptian, and later Roman spice trade. Ptolemy XI bequeathed Alexandria to the Romans in 80 BC; and by 40 AD it had become not only the greatest commercial center in the world but also the preeminent emporium for spices.
The rapid growth of Roman trade with south India in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. led to the introduction of a direct route from Red Sea ports to the ancient port of Muziris in central Kerala. Roman ships left in July, at the height of the monsoon season and returned back with the reverse northwest monsoons in November. They used the most southerly course even in the worst monsoons; especially as the sighting of the Lakshadweep Islands two hundred miles from mainland gave them excellent guide to their destination.
Hybrid Mode
