A brief History of Ethiopia

Abstract

There are no detailed records available on the history of spices in Ethiopia. However,
throughout the history of Ethiopia, during various periods there had been several allusions
made to certain spices in scattered accounts. Most of these sketchy accounts pertain to the
search and trade of spices like frankincense, myrrh, etc. In ancient times, frankincense and
myrrh in particular were in high demand in Pharaohnic Egypt to honor the gods and embalm
the dead. Myrrh was also a popular ingredient of Hebrew anointing oil (Ex. 30:22-24). Ancient
Egyptian pharaohs from time to time organized great fleets, which went to the “Land of Puntâ€
in search of these precious spices