The Port of Myos Hormos

The Port of Myos Hormos: An Ancient Gateway to Global Trade

Nestled on the shores of the Red Sea lies the historic site of Myos Hormos, a port that stands as a testament to Egypt’s ancient trade prowess. Established by the Ptolemies in the 3rd century BC, recent excavations by scholars David Peacock and Lucy Blue of the University of Southampton have pinpointed its location at Quseir al-Quadim, just eight kilometers north of contemporary Al-Quseir in Egypt.

A Hub of Antiquity's Global Trade

During the height of its glory, Myos Hormos, alongside the port of Berenice to the south, served as one of Roman Egypt‘s pivotal conduits for commerce with India, Africa, and possibly China. It was a key departure point for vessels bound for the Indus delta, the bustling port of Muziris, and the Kathiawar peninsula in India. The 1st-century AD guidebook, Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, chronicles this vibrant coastal trade, describing Myos Hormos as a bustling bay on the Red Sea, crucial to Egypt’s maritime activities.

As noted by the ancient Greek geographer, philosopher, and historian Strabo, the port’s significance surged under Roman rule. During the reign of Augustus, it saw a dramatic increase in traffic, with up to 120 ships annually embarking from Myos Hormos to India. This marked a significant leap from the Ptolemaic era when only a handful of vessels dared to navigate these distant trade routes.

A Link between Continents and Cultures

Integral to Myos Hormos’s operation was its connection to the Nile valley and Memphis via a Roman road constructed in the 1st century. This vital link enabled the flow of goods, ideas, and cultures between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.

However, the port’s prominence waned after the 4th century, a casualty of the Roman Empire’s crises and the decline of trade between Rome and India. It wasn’t until the 17th century that Myos Hormos, known today as old Quseir, began to resurface in prominence, primarily as a waypoint for pilgrims traveling from Cairo to Mecca.

Today, the site of Myos Hormos invites visitors to step back in time, offering a window into an era when this port served as a bustling hub of global trade and cultural exchange, connecting distant lands and weaving a rich tapestry of shared history.

Created On April 28, 2020

Updated On January 25, 2024

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