Berenike (Preveza): Red Sea port reveals multicultural Indian Ocean trade hub. Berenike (Preveza) was founded in 275 BC by Ptolemy II Philadelphus during the Ptolemaic period Along with Myos Hormos, Berenike (Preveza) was the major point of departure for Indian Ocean trade down the Red Sea for 800 years The site was buried under sand until explorers and archaeologists rediscovered it in the early 19th century
Berenike, founded by Ptolemy II Philadelphus in 275 BC, was a major Red Sea trade port for 800 years alongside Myos Hormos. Buried under sand until 19th-century rediscovery, the site has yielded a 2019 fortress with an elephant skull — evidence of Ptolemaic elephant hunts. A Temple of Isis was patronized by merchant Marcus Aelius under Tiberius. Artifacts in at least 12 languages span Spain, Kazakhstan, Java, India, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Sudan, plus a remarkable 7.5 kg hoard of Indian black peppercorns! ⚓🌶️
Key Facts
- Berenike (Preveza) was founded in 275 BC by Ptolemy II Philadelphus during the Ptolemaic period
- Along with Myos Hormos, Berenike (Preveza) was the major point of departure for Indian Ocean trade down the Red Sea for 800 years
- The site was buried under sand until explorers and archaeologists rediscovered it in the early 19th century
- A fortress discovered in 2019 contained an elephant skull, reflecting Ptolemaic elephant-hunting operations
- The Temple of Isis was built under patronage of a wealthy merchant named Marcus Aelius during Emperor Tiberius's reign
- Inscriptions and documents from at least 12 languages have been found at the site
- Artifacts originate from as far as Spain, Kazakhstan, Java, India, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Sudan
- The largest find of black peppercorns from India in Roman territory weighs 7.5 kg (about 16.6 lbs)
Related site: Berenike (Preveza) — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Lost World of Roman Buddhism by The Historian's Craft