In the remote deserts of Egypt, an ancient port city named Berenike has revealed a fascinating and unexpected story: the deep influence of ancient Indian culture, trade, and people. This port, once bustling with activity, reveals how deeply intertwined ancient Indian and Egyptian civilizations were.
Excavations at Pattanam in Kerala, believed to be the ancient port of Muziris, show a vibrant exchange of goods and culture with Berenike. Artifacts such as a rare seal ring made of Indian agate with an Egyptian sphinx hint at Greco-Roman craftsmen working with Indian gems. Indian sailors and traders, hailing from regions like Gujarat, brought their traditions, religious beliefs, and languages to Egypt. Remarkable finds include the earliest known pet burial ground with a monkey from India and a Buddha statue with Greco-Roman features, indicating the presence of Indian religious practices in Berenike.
This evidence reshapes our understanding of ancient trade, showing that it was not solely a Roman endeavor but a dynamic, multicultural exchange driven significantly by Indian influence.
Berenike was the Roman Empire’s southernmost port, from which fleets of merchant ships rode monsoon winds across the Indian Ocean—and fueled an ocean trade that rivaled, and likely surpassed, the terrestrial Silk Road in economic importance. Now findings on both sides of the ocean are driving a broad reassessment of the interconnectedness of the ancient world. Guilbert Gates
The story of Berenike begins with its discovery by archaeologists who have spent years unearthing its secrets. Among them is Steven Sidebotham of the University of Delaware, who has led extensive excavations at the site. Berenike, active around 2,000 years ago, was a major trade hub where ships loaded with gold and wine departed, returning with spices, jewels, and perfumes from far-off lands. The details are published in the July/August 2024 issue of the Smithsonian Magazine by award-winning science journalist Jo Marchant.
The port was vital for the Roman Empire’s maritime trade, serving as a gateway for exotic goods from eastern Africa, southern Arabia, and India. Despite its remote location, far from any natural water sources and accessible only by a difficult journey from the Nile, Berenike thrived as a center of commerce.
The most intriguing aspect of Berenike is its strong connection to India. Among the numerous artifacts uncovered at the site, several have clear links to the Indian subcontinent, providing evidence of the deep and lasting influence of Indian traders, culture, and religion in this ancient Egyptian port.
One of the most significant discoveries is a stone slab inscribed with Sanskrit, dating back to the third century A.D. This slab is the earliest known Sanskrit inscription in Egypt and mentions a Roman emperor, reflecting a blend of cultures and languages. The presence of Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, in Berenike is a testament to the influence of Indian traders and the spread of Indian culture.
Another remarkable find is a Buddha statue, which closely resembles those from the Gandhara region (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan). This region was known for its unique blend of Greco-Roman and Indian artistic styles, and the Buddha statue in Berenike suggests that Indian religious and cultural influences reached far into the Roman Empire.
In addition to the Buddha statue, archaeologists found a carved triad of early Indic deities: Balarama, Vasudeva (later known as Krishna), and the goddess Ekanamsa. These figures, surrounded by Greco-Roman decorative elements, highlight the fusion of Indian and local artistic styles. The presence of these deities indicates a deep understanding and acceptance of Indian iconography in Berenike during that period.
A Greco-Roman arch framing Indic gods, from left: Balarama, with a plough; Ekanamsa; Vasudeva, who later became Krishna, with a wheel and club. Roger Anis
The discoveries at Berenike suggest that Indian influence was not limited to religious artifacts. Everyday items such as Indian peppercorns, coconuts, and rice have been found, indicating that Indian food and culinary practices were also present. Ship planks from Kerala, India, workshops, storehouses, and other items further emphasize the close ties between Berenike and India.
One of the more unique discoveries at Berenike is the world’s earliest known pet burial ground. Among the pets buried there was a monkey that had been brought all the way from India. This reflects the close trading relationships and cultural exchanges between India and Berenike, as well as the personal connections formed through these exchanges.
During this time, India was divided into powerful dynasties: the Kushan Empire in the north, the Western Kshatrapas in western India, and the Satavahanas in the south. These dynasties played a crucial role in facilitating trade with the Roman Empire through Berenike.
The port city’s importance grew when Roman traders learned to navigate the monsoon currents, allowing for direct voyages between the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean. This made Berenike a convenient point for unloading goods transported across the ocean from India. Roman traders would bring back exotic goods that were then transported across the Roman Empire, further enhancing Berenike’s significance as a trade hub.
On the other side of the Indian Ocean, the port city of Pattanam in Kerala, believed to be the ancient port of Muziris, played a crucial role in this trade network. Excavations there have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including Mediterranean pottery, a wooden canoe, and a seal ring made from an Indian gemstone carved with an Egyptian sphinx. These finds further emphasize the deep trade and cultural connections between India and Berenike.
Life in Berenike revolved around the harbor, where remains of ships built from Lebanese cedar and Kerala teak, workshops, storehouses, and remnants of huge ropes and sails were found. The main street, lined with houses and shops, led up to the Isis temple, highlighting the city’s bustling nature and the blend of different cultures.
The archaeologists, working in tents with limited resources, have found evidence of a city that thrived for over 800 years. Founded by Pharaoh Ptolemy II around 275 B.C. to import African war elephants, Berenike later became a key trade hub under Roman rule.
The city was a cosmopolitan place where various cultures and religions mingled. It had luxurious baths, houses made from ships and coral, and immense wealth flowing through despite the harsh desert environment. The discoveries at Berenike continue to reveal the complexities and richness of ancient trade networks, showcasing the city’s pivotal role in fostering connections between East and West.
The discovery of Indian religious artifacts in the Isis temple was surprising, akin to finding an Indian sanctuary in the heart of Rome. This suggests that the locals were open to new faiths and likely integrated these new beliefs with their own, recognizing similarities between their gods and those from India.
A handful of Indian religious objects have been found in the Roman world before, but what sets Berenike apart is that these were not just traded items. They were locally made, indicating that Indians lived in Berenike, bringing their traditions, beliefs, and languages with them. This points to a vibrant, multicultural community where Indian merchants and residents practiced their customs and rituals.
The influence of Indian culture and trade extended beyond Berenike to other parts of the Roman world. The presence of Indian artifacts in places like Alexandria and Rome further highlights the extensive trade networks and cultural exchanges between India and the Roman Empire.
For example, the discovery of a seal ring made from an Indian gemstone carved with an Egyptian sphinx in Pattanam underscores the deep connections between these ancient civilizations. The trade routes that connected Berenike to other parts of the Roman Empire and India facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, enriching both ends of the trade route.
The discoveries at Berenike offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient global trade networks and cultural exchanges. The strong Indian connection, reflected in religious artifacts, inscriptions, and everyday items, reveals a story of intertwined civilizations, where people, goods, and ideas flowed freely, enriching both ends of the trade route.
Berenike stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit of exploration and connection across vast distances. The ongoing excavations continue to reveal the complexities and richness of ancient trade networks, highlighting the city’s pivotal role in sustaining the Roman Empire and promoting cultural exchange.
Kamila Braulinska, an archaeologist, later prepares the head to be photographed. First thought to show a Roman emperor, the head may portray an important local official. Roger Anis
The hidden Indian connection in ancient Egypt, as uncovered in Berenike, challenges our understanding of ancient trade and cultural exchanges. This ancient port city was not just a point of trade but a vibrant, multicultural hub where Indian influence was deeply felt. The blend of Indian and Roman-Egyptian cultures in Berenike reflects the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the significant role that India played in shaping the history of this remote desert port.
The story of Berenike and its Indian connection is a testament to the rich tapestry of human history, where distant civilizations came together to create a unique and thriving community. As archaeologists continue to uncover more of Berenike’s secrets, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of ancient global trade networks and the enduring legacy of cultural exchange.
