Final answer:
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is an ancient guide detailing maritime trade along the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, particularly reflecting the commercial activities of the Aksumite Kingdom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is an ancient Greek text that serves as a guide to navigation and trade along the shores of the Red Sea and the adjacent Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea. It provides valuable insights into the maritime trade that took place between the Aksumite Kingdom, the Arabian Peninsula, and the coast of India during the early Common Era. The text is attributed to an unknown Alexandrian merchant and contains detailed accounts of the various ports and coastal landmarks, as well as information about the peoples, goods, and customs encountered by mariners of the time.
Ruins of Aksum, such as those found in present-day Matara, Eritrea, testify to the thriving commerce and power of the kingdom during its height in the fourth and fifth centuries CE. The Periplus details how exports such as ivory, frankincense, myrrh, and other goods were traded extensively by the Kingdom of Aksum, bolstering its economy and influence in the region.
In addition to its commercial importance, the Periplus also provides historical insights into the interactions between various cultures and the geopolitical landscape of the time, illustrating how the Red Sea was a crucial conduit for trade across multiple civilizations.