What were the major trade routes and goods traded by Ancient Egypt?

Ancient Egypt had several major trade routes and engaged in extensive trade with neighboring regions and distant lands. The most significant trade routes of Ancient Egypt included:

1. The Nile River: The Nile River served as the primary trade route within Egypt, connecting various cities and regions. It facilitated the transportation of goods such as grain, papyrus, and other agricultural products.

2. Red Sea Trade Route: Ancient Egyptians had access to the Red Sea, which allowed them to establish trade connections with regions in the Arabian Peninsula, such as Punt (modern-day Somalia) and the Land of God (modern-day Yemen). They traded goods like incense, myrrh, gold, ebony, and exotic animals.

3. Mediterranean Trade Route: Egypt's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea enabled trade with various Mediterranean civilizations, including the Minoans, Mycenaeans, Greeks, and Phoenicians. Goods such as olive oil, wine, pottery, metals, and luxury items were exchanged through this route.

4. Trans-Saharan Trade Route: Ancient Egypt also participated in the trans-Saharan trade, connecting with civilizations in Nubia (modern-day Sudan) and the Kingdom of Kush. This route facilitated the exchange of goods like gold, ivory, ebony, and exotic animals.

5. Levant Trade Route: Egypt had trade connections with the Levant region, including modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. This route allowed the exchange of goods such as timber, copper, spices, and precious stones.

The goods traded by Ancient Egypt varied depending on the trade route and the region involved. However, some of the major goods traded by Ancient Egypt included agricultural products like grain, papyrus, and linen. They also traded precious metals such as gold and copper, luxury items like jewelry, cosmetics, and perfumes, exotic goods like spices, incense, ebony, and ivory, as well as raw materials like timber and stone.