Rome and the Distant East: Trade Routes to the ancient lands of Arabia, India and China

261 Pages·2010·2.24 MB·English

by  Raoul McLaughlin

ROME AND THE DISTANT EAST: TRADE ROUTES TO THE
ANCIENT LANDS OF ARABIA, INDIA AND CHINA
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Rome and the Distant East
Trade Routes to the Ancient Lands of
Arabia, India and China
Raoul McLaughlin
Continuum UK Continuum US
Th e Tower Building 80 Maiden Lane
11 York Road Suite 704
London SE1 7NX New York, NY 10038
www.continuumbooks.com
Copyright © Raoul McLaughlin 2010
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission
from the publishers.
First published 2010
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 9781847252357
Typeset by Pindar NZ, Auckland, New Zealand
Printed and bound by MPG Books Group Ltd
For my parents William John McLaughlin
and Elizabeth Terry McLaughlin
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Acknowledgements
Th is book is based on a doctoral thesis completed at Queen’s University Belfast
in 2006. When I was looking for a place to study Eastern trade I applied to many
universities, but none could accommodate a subject so broad and ambitious.
Th is work could only have been written in Belfast and I greatly appreciate how
I was allowed to follow my academic interests under constructive direction and
encouragement. I would like to thank my doctoral supervisor Dr John Curran,
for without his guidance and support I would not have had the opportunity to
investigate this subject. I would also like to thank Professor Brian Campbell and
Dr Colin Adams for agreeing to be my doctoral examiners and acknowledge how
much I have benefi ted from their advice.
I was educated at Lagan College in Belfast, the fi rst cross-community integrated
school to be established in Northern Ireland. Th e college was founded with the aim
of giving young people the opportunity to understand and respect all cultural and
religious backgrounds without the divisions of race or social class. I have come
to realize how skilfully the teaching staff , led by the principal Dr Brian Lambkin,
promoted this ethos among us, without ever discouraging independent thought or
undermining the social, or political, views of each individual. I have remained in
contact with my school friends throughout my time at university. I especially thank
Jenny Kirkwood for helping me with modern language translations and Mawuli
Amoaku for off ering me the opportunity to visit China.
Th e early stages of my doctoral research were paid for by the Northern Ireland
Department of Education and Learning, but I have funded subsequent study
from my own resources. Queen’s University Belfast has hosted both my under-
graduate study and my postgraduate research. I greatly value my university and
I respect the skills and attitudes of its people, who have never discouraged me or
disparaged my ideas. In Belfast, Ancient Historians are able to study in the same
department as Social Anthropologists and Modern Historians. In this environ-
ment, history has a global context and the study of distant cultures has a distinct
value. Doctor John Curran and Professor David Whitehead have given me the
opportunity to teach tutorial classes in Republican Roman and Classical Greek
history at the university. Th is experience has been invaluable and my position
at Queen’s has given me access to library resources and research materials that I
would not otherwise have been able to acquire. Th is has permitted me to pursue
my studies long enough to complete this book.
I would like to acknowledge my fellow ancient historians Chris McCoubrey and
Jonathan Eton. Th ey have off ered me practical help and because they are scholars
of the Roman military, our conversations have always been lively and interesting.
viii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In particular Jonathan Eton has read early versions of my manuscript and has
been able to provide valuable constructive criticism. Shaun McDaid is studying
modern Ulster history, but he has always off ered me support. Claire Rush, who
has a background in Irish history, has also obtained rare books on my behalf and
for this I owe her a debt of gratitude. As a student of Social Anthropology Gemma
Wieberg uniquely understands the complexities of human society and I have valued
her insights.
This book is dedicated to my parents William and Elizabeth McLaughlin.
Th ey have had to accept that turning my doctoral research into a book has meant
fi nancial hardship and my father has worked beyond retirement age to off er me
assistance. I must thank my brother Leon for taking the time and trouble to draft
my maps and check my ancient references. My whole family, especially my sister
Th ayna, have given me immeasurable support and encouragement.
To all the above, I acknowledge receipt of your kindness and consideration.
Without you this book would not have been possible.
Raoul McLaughlin
Belfast
June 2009
Contents
Illustrations xi
Abbreviations xiii
Introduction: Rome and the Distant East 1
1 Ancient Evidence for Eastern Contacts 7
2 Roman Egypt and the Sea Routes to India 23
3 Rome and the Arabian Trade Routes 61
4 Trade Routes through Asia and the Silk Road Connection 83
5 Diplomatic Contacts with the Distant East 111
6 Th e Economic Impact on the Roman Empire 141
Appendix A: Th e Products of the Roman Empire 179
Appendix B: Eastern imports into the Roman Empire 181
Appendix C: Th e Prices of Eastern Goods 182
Notes 183
Concerning the Ancient Sources 219
Select Bibliography 220
Index 231