Early history of scents, spices and silk.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides the historical background for the highly valued products for trade in antiquity. Its subchapters include the exotic luxuries of antiquity, smoke of the Gods in antiquity, the most ancient of spices: Cinnamon, Ginger and Pepper, the European spice of antiquity: Saffron, the Indonesian spices: Clove, Nutmeg and Mace, and finally, the sightless moth's gift to the world: Silk.