frequently made, even in our own times, of the quantity of the precious metals sent from Europe to pay for these commodities. Yet, so far from this being a just grievance, nothing can be more certain than the prosperity of a people, who have thus at their disposal, from one source or another, vast superabundant stores for exportation and exchange for the raw material or even the luxuries of the East.
The ports through which it was conducted.
Course of the voyage to India.
When Rome came into possession of Egypt, its
commercial intercourse was conducted chiefly through
the port of Berenice, while the port of Myos
Hormus was in a great measure abandoned. Yet
some trade was still carried on from this port
as also from Leuke Kome, on the north-western
coast of the Red Sea, near the entrance to the
Gulf of Akabah. The whole of these ports being
in possession of Rome, there were custom-houses
established at each, with Roman officers to collect
the duty of twenty-five per cent. imposed on all
articles of import and export, as well as Roman
garrisons to enforce its payment, where necessary.
Caravans from Petra and from the shores of the
Mediterranean, brought to Leuke Kome the manufactures
and other produce of the North, destined for
shipment to the East, while Berenice became the
chief port for the manufactures of Rome and of
the West, which were conveyed up the Nile, by the
route described, to Coptos, and thence forwarded
by caravan. Caravans also, from Thebes and other
places in Upper Egypt, were the agents of an
extensive trade through Berenice and Myos Hormus.
Pliny, as has been stated, when compared with
Arrian, gives a clear account of the length of time
