By: Dr. Zahi Hawass
Dr. Jaser Al Herbish, the Head of the Saudi Heritage Commission, has sent to me a significant archaeological study done by the late archaeologist Ashwaq bint Ahmed Al Balwi.
It entitled “Economic and Political Role of Egypt and Arabia’s ports on the Red Sea from 3 B.C. to 3rd Century.”
The scholar depended on various archaeological data to document the trade relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that aged 3000 years old, since the New Kingdom of the Ancient Egypt era.
The mentioned period witnessed the earliest notions of cooperation between Egypt and the Red Sea region including KSA, in addition, the name of King Ramesses III has been unearthed in the kingdom.
Therefore, I have recently discovered several potteries for these exported oils from Arabia made in Syria, and Crete dated back to 3 B.C. in Saqqara.
The trade communications have lasted to the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt and the ways of exchanging goods depended on land routes and seaways through the Red Sea. Egypt imported textiles, perfumes, incense, and myrrh from Arabia.
On the other hand, it exported various goods to Arabia in ancient times such as beverages, food, oils, wine, medicines, textiles, tools, glass products, and containers, alongside raw materials such as copper, lead, iron, and tin.
Furthermore, the archaeologist reviewed to us the kinds of goods Egypt imported, either produced in Arabia or imported to it by other traders such as incense, myrrh, perfumes, and balm, in addition to gems, pearls, and drugs from cactus and red dyes.
While the imported goods to Arabia included pepper, wood, and musk that came from India, in addition to other products imported from East Africa.
Finally, this study reflected the solidarity and strength of the trade relations between Egypt and KSA for 3000 years.
Contributed by: Rana Atef
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