gems, ancient gemology, early gemology, ancient mineralogy, early trade, India, Rome

Ptolemy II Philadelphus promoted trade with India, South Arabia, and sub-Saharan Africa (p. 12). Trade commodities sought by Romans from the East and Africa included a wide range of goods (p. 22). Elephants had passed out of military use by 30 B.C. A Roman trade station was established at Arikamedu (p. 23). Overland routes were used for expensive luxury items, while bulk cargo, industrial materials, and commodities moved by sea through canals along the Red Sea (p. 17). The silk trade peaked between 90 and 130 A.D. (note 6, J. Thorley). Maps (p. 15) illustrate the extent of these interconnected trade routes.