The ancient trade routes of the Meroitic Kingdom with the countries of the Mediterranean

The aspects of the trade contacts between Meroitic Kingdom and Mediterranean countries are studied in the article. Nile was the main ancient trade route connected Mediterranean countries with the deep area of African lands. Nile cataracts and desert caravan routes were rather difficult and dangerous. These reasons stimulated development of trade routes via Red Sea, especially when interest to elephants used in Ptolemies’ army stimulate Red Sea travelling along the Nile rout. There were established new Greek factories along the Western Red Sea shore, which maintained trade activities.

Meroe, Meroitic Kingdom, Aksum kingdom Elephantine, Ptolemies, Ancient trade