Where did the Egyptians get incense?

Ancient Egyptians acquired incense primarily through trade and international expeditions. As incense-producing plants were not native to Egypt, the Egyptians sought incense via land and sea routes. One notable region where they obtained incense was the land of Punt (also known as "God's Land" or "Land of the Gods").

Ancient Trade Networks:

Egypt established trade networks with Punt, located on the eastern shores of Africa, present-day Somalia and Ethiopia. The ancient Egyptians organized expeditions using ships and caravans, venturing out across the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to reach the land of Punt. Egyptian pharaohs dispatched expeditions as early as the 25th century BCE. These expeditions aimed to obtain valuable goods, including myrrh, frankincense, ebony wood, gold, ivory, and aromatic resins, which were used for religious rituals, medicinal purposes, and luxury goods.

Incense as Sacred Commodities:

Frankincense and myrrh were the primary types of incense used by the ancient Egyptians. These resins, sourced from Boswellia and Commiphora trees, respectively, were considered sacred and highly prized. The Egyptians used incense during religious ceremonies, funeral rituals, and purification rituals. They burned incense to honor gods, purify sacred spaces, and provide fragrance to temples.

Egyptian-Punt Trade Relationship:

The ancient Egyptian expeditions to the land of Punt were crucial for maintaining access to incense. Over time, the Egyptians established a positive trade relationship with the people of Punt, exchanging coveted Egyptian commodities like linen, grain, and manufactured goods. These exchanges fostered cultural exchange and diplomatic relations between the regions.

Exploration and Diplomatic Encounters:

The Egyptian expeditions to Punt were not just commercial ventures but also served to strengthen diplomatic ties. Pharaohs sent envoys with rich gifts to establish friendly relationships with the leaders of Punt, emphasizing the value they attached to the incense trade. The records from ancient Egyptian texts, including the "Story of Sinuhe" and the "Papyrus Harris," provide insights into the diplomatic nature of these encounters.

In summary, the Egyptians acquired incense through long-distance trade with the land of Punt. The expeditions to acquire this valuable commodity were both commercial and diplomatic in nature, highlighting the significance of incense in Egyptian religious practices and luxury goods.