The Incense Route: A study of its origin and development

This thesis explores the question of the origin and development of the overland Incense Route between South Arabia and western Asia. It considers the ancient and modern literature regarding this issue, and identifies several underlying factors in the Incense Route's formation. Particular emphasis is placed on the domestication of the dromedary, the growth of South Arabian civilization, and the process by which a trade route was established across the Arabian Peninsula.;Research suggests that Egyptian maritime expeditions travelling to the incense marts of East Africa made contact with South Arabia in the early fifteenth century BCE. Interaction with Egypt exposed the less advanced South Arabians to desirable material goods, which the Arabians received in exchange for their aromatics. The establishment of the Incense Route in the early fourteenth century BCE marks the culmination of efforts by the South Arabians to reach the markets of the Near East.