The Greek and Roman Contacts with Ancient Tamil Country | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


UNIT - II
4. THE GREEK AND ROMAN CONTACTS
WITH ANCIENT TAMIL COUNTRY
From the very early times, Tamil country had carried on an
extensive trade with foreign countries. The Greeks and Romans
had commercial contacts with the Tamil country from about the
Third century B.C. These trade relations had lasted throughout the
Sangam period. We have plenty of sources to study the maritime
activities during the Sangam Age.
Literary Sources:
The Sangam literature refers to the Greeks and Romans as
Yavanas. The Sangam poems describe the trading activities of
Greek and Roman merchants in the Tamil country. They mention
the important seaports and also about the exports and imports.
Page 2


UNIT - II
4. THE GREEK AND ROMAN CONTACTS
WITH ANCIENT TAMIL COUNTRY
From the very early times, Tamil country had carried on an
extensive trade with foreign countries. The Greeks and Romans
had commercial contacts with the Tamil country from about the
Third century B.C. These trade relations had lasted throughout the
Sangam period. We have plenty of sources to study the maritime
activities during the Sangam Age.
Literary Sources:
The Sangam literature refers to the Greeks and Romans as
Yavanas. The Sangam poems describe the trading activities of
Greek and Roman merchants in the Tamil country. They mention
the important seaports and also about the exports and imports.
Similarly, the Greek and Roman writers of that period mention
the details of the commercial contacts between their countries and
South India. Particularly, the writers like Pliny, Ptolemy, Plutarch
and the author of the Periplus had described the condition of trade
in the First and Second centuries A.D.
Archaeological Sources:
The archaeological evidences have further supplemented the
literary sources relating to the foreign trade. The Arikkamedu
excavations remain as the important evidence for the Greek and
Roman trade in the Tamil country. The place Arikkamedu, near
Pondicherry had remained an important centre of trade for Greeks
and Romans. The Greek writers had referred to this place as
Poduke. There was a great Roman Factory at Arikkamedu. Many
articles such as coins, porcelain, jars and tubs for the purpose of
dyeing clothes have also been found there. Further, Roman coins,
pottery and other articles have been found in other parts of Tamil
Nadu. Excavations have also been conducted at Puhar,
Kanchipuram, Alagankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal and other
places. Greek and Roman coins and other articles have been found
in these places confirming the foreign trade during the Sangam
Age.
Coins:
Plenty of Roman coins have been found all over Tamil Nadu,
particularly in the coastal areas. From these coins we come to know
that the Roman emperors like Augustus Caesar, Tiberius and Nero
had issued them. Since they lived in the First and Second centuries
A.D., it may be said that the Sangam Tamils had trade relations
with the Roman Empire.
Greeks:
The Greeks were the first to enter into trade contacts with the
Tamil region in about Third century B.C. The Greeks had adopted and
the Greek language. The Greeks had paid much attention on the
West coast. The seaport Musiri had remained their important
trading centre. The Greeks provided an important link between
Tamil country and the West, via Egypt.
Romans:
After the Greeks, the Romans began to arrive in the Tamil
Fig. 8. Ancient Coins
38
mentioned several Tamil names for the commodities
that were available in the Tamil country.  For example, they had
adopted the Tamil word Arisi (rice) and mentioned it as Oriza in
Page 3


UNIT - II
4. THE GREEK AND ROMAN CONTACTS
WITH ANCIENT TAMIL COUNTRY
From the very early times, Tamil country had carried on an
extensive trade with foreign countries. The Greeks and Romans
had commercial contacts with the Tamil country from about the
Third century B.C. These trade relations had lasted throughout the
Sangam period. We have plenty of sources to study the maritime
activities during the Sangam Age.
Literary Sources:
The Sangam literature refers to the Greeks and Romans as
Yavanas. The Sangam poems describe the trading activities of
Greek and Roman merchants in the Tamil country. They mention
the important seaports and also about the exports and imports.
Similarly, the Greek and Roman writers of that period mention
the details of the commercial contacts between their countries and
South India. Particularly, the writers like Pliny, Ptolemy, Plutarch
and the author of the Periplus had described the condition of trade
in the First and Second centuries A.D.
Archaeological Sources:
The archaeological evidences have further supplemented the
literary sources relating to the foreign trade. The Arikkamedu
excavations remain as the important evidence for the Greek and
Roman trade in the Tamil country. The place Arikkamedu, near
Pondicherry had remained an important centre of trade for Greeks
and Romans. The Greek writers had referred to this place as
Poduke. There was a great Roman Factory at Arikkamedu. Many
articles such as coins, porcelain, jars and tubs for the purpose of
dyeing clothes have also been found there. Further, Roman coins,
pottery and other articles have been found in other parts of Tamil
Nadu. Excavations have also been conducted at Puhar,
Kanchipuram, Alagankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal and other
places. Greek and Roman coins and other articles have been found
in these places confirming the foreign trade during the Sangam
Age.
Coins:
Plenty of Roman coins have been found all over Tamil Nadu,
particularly in the coastal areas. From these coins we come to know
that the Roman emperors like Augustus Caesar, Tiberius and Nero
had issued them. Since they lived in the First and Second centuries
A.D., it may be said that the Sangam Tamils had trade relations
with the Roman Empire.
Greeks:
The Greeks were the first to enter into trade contacts with the
Tamil region in about Third century B.C. The Greeks had adopted and
the Greek language. The Greeks had paid much attention on the
West coast. The seaport Musiri had remained their important
trading centre. The Greeks provided an important link between
Tamil country and the West, via Egypt.
Romans:
After the Greeks, the Romans began to arrive in the Tamil
Fig. 8. Ancient Coins
38
mentioned several Tamil names for the commodities
that were available in the Tamil country.  For example, they had
adopted the Tamil word Arisi (rice) and mentioned it as Oriza in
Similarly, the Greek and Roman writers of that period mention
the details of the commercial contacts between their countries and
South India. Particularly, the writers like Pliny, Ptolemy, Plutarch
and the author of the Periplus had described the condition of trade
in the First and Second centuries A.D.
Archaeological Sources:
The archaeological evidences have further supplemented the
literary sources relating to the foreign trade. The Arikkamedu
excavations remain as the important evidence for the Greek and
Roman trade in the Tamil country. The place Arikkamedu, near
Pondicherry had remained an important centre of trade for Greeks
and Romans. The Greek writers had referred to this place as
Poduke. There was a great Roman Factory at Arikkamedu. Many
articles such as coins, porcelain, jars and tubs for the purpose of
dyeing clothes have also been found there. Further, Roman coins,
pottery and other articles have been found in other parts of Tamil
Nadu. Excavations have also been conducted at Puhar,
Kanchipuram, Alagankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal and other
places. Greek and Roman coins and other articles have been found
in these places confirming the foreign trade during the Sangam
Age.
Coins:
Plenty of Roman coins have been found all over Tamil Nadu,
particularly in the coastal areas. From these coins we come to know
that the Roman emperors like Augustus Caesar, Tiberius and Nero
had issued them. Since they lived in the First and Second centuries
A.D., it may be said that the Sangam Tamils had trade relations
with the Roman Empire.
Greeks:
The Greeks were the first to enter into trade contacts with the
Tamil region in about Third century B.C. The Greeks had adopted and
the Greek language. The Greeks had paid much attention on the
West coast. The seaport Musiri had remained their important
trading centre. The Greeks provided an important link between
Tamil country and the West, via Egypt.
Romans:
After the Greeks, the Romans began to arrive in the Tamil
Fig. 8. Ancient Coins
38
mentioned several Tamil names for the commodities
that were available in the Tamil country.  For example, they had
adopted the Tamil word Arisi (rice) and mentioned it as Oriza in
Page 4


UNIT - II
4. THE GREEK AND ROMAN CONTACTS
WITH ANCIENT TAMIL COUNTRY
From the very early times, Tamil country had carried on an
extensive trade with foreign countries. The Greeks and Romans
had commercial contacts with the Tamil country from about the
Third century B.C. These trade relations had lasted throughout the
Sangam period. We have plenty of sources to study the maritime
activities during the Sangam Age.
Literary Sources:
The Sangam literature refers to the Greeks and Romans as
Yavanas. The Sangam poems describe the trading activities of
Greek and Roman merchants in the Tamil country. They mention
the important seaports and also about the exports and imports.
Similarly, the Greek and Roman writers of that period mention
the details of the commercial contacts between their countries and
South India. Particularly, the writers like Pliny, Ptolemy, Plutarch
and the author of the Periplus had described the condition of trade
in the First and Second centuries A.D.
Archaeological Sources:
The archaeological evidences have further supplemented the
literary sources relating to the foreign trade. The Arikkamedu
excavations remain as the important evidence for the Greek and
Roman trade in the Tamil country. The place Arikkamedu, near
Pondicherry had remained an important centre of trade for Greeks
and Romans. The Greek writers had referred to this place as
Poduke. There was a great Roman Factory at Arikkamedu. Many
articles such as coins, porcelain, jars and tubs for the purpose of
dyeing clothes have also been found there. Further, Roman coins,
pottery and other articles have been found in other parts of Tamil
Nadu. Excavations have also been conducted at Puhar,
Kanchipuram, Alagankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal and other
places. Greek and Roman coins and other articles have been found
in these places confirming the foreign trade during the Sangam
Age.
Coins:
Plenty of Roman coins have been found all over Tamil Nadu,
particularly in the coastal areas. From these coins we come to know
that the Roman emperors like Augustus Caesar, Tiberius and Nero
had issued them. Since they lived in the First and Second centuries
A.D., it may be said that the Sangam Tamils had trade relations
with the Roman Empire.
Greeks:
The Greeks were the first to enter into trade contacts with the
Tamil region in about Third century B.C. The Greeks had adopted and
the Greek language. The Greeks had paid much attention on the
West coast. The seaport Musiri had remained their important
trading centre. The Greeks provided an important link between
Tamil country and the West, via Egypt.
Romans:
After the Greeks, the Romans began to arrive in the Tamil
Fig. 8. Ancient Coins
38
mentioned several Tamil names for the commodities
that were available in the Tamil country.  For example, they had
adopted the Tamil word Arisi (rice) and mentioned it as Oriza in
Similarly, the Greek and Roman writers of that period mention
the details of the commercial contacts between their countries and
South India. Particularly, the writers like Pliny, Ptolemy, Plutarch
and the author of the Periplus had described the condition of trade
in the First and Second centuries A.D.
Archaeological Sources:
The archaeological evidences have further supplemented the
literary sources relating to the foreign trade. The Arikkamedu
excavations remain as the important evidence for the Greek and
Roman trade in the Tamil country. The place Arikkamedu, near
Pondicherry had remained an important centre of trade for Greeks
and Romans. The Greek writers had referred to this place as
Poduke. There was a great Roman Factory at Arikkamedu. Many
articles such as coins, porcelain, jars and tubs for the purpose of
dyeing clothes have also been found there. Further, Roman coins,
pottery and other articles have been found in other parts of Tamil
Nadu. Excavations have also been conducted at Puhar,
Kanchipuram, Alagankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal and other
places. Greek and Roman coins and other articles have been found
in these places confirming the foreign trade during the Sangam
Age.
Coins:
Plenty of Roman coins have been found all over Tamil Nadu,
particularly in the coastal areas. From these coins we come to know
that the Roman emperors like Augustus Caesar, Tiberius and Nero
had issued them. Since they lived in the First and Second centuries
A.D., it may be said that the Sangam Tamils had trade relations
with the Roman Empire.
Greeks:
The Greeks were the first to enter into trade contacts with the
Tamil region in about Third century B.C. The Greeks had adopted and
the Greek language. The Greeks had paid much attention on the
West coast. The seaport Musiri had remained their important
trading centre. The Greeks provided an important link between
Tamil country and the West, via Egypt.
Romans:
After the Greeks, the Romans began to arrive in the Tamil
Fig. 8. Ancient Coins
38
mentioned several Tamil names for the commodities
that were available in the Tamil country.  For example, they had
adopted the Tamil word Arisi (rice) and mentioned it as Oriza in
country. The Pandyan kingdom was the first to get the benefit of
the Roman trade. The Romans had employed the Tamil merchants
to buy and sell goods in the local market. They had also served in
the Pandyan army. In the First and Second centuries A.D., both
the Greeks and Romans expanded their trade in the Tamil country.
After that period, there was a gradual decline in the overseas trade.
The confusion in the Roman Empire and the collapse of the Sangam
age in the Third century A.D. put an end to the Greek and Roman
contacts with the Tamil country.
Exports and Imports:
The Tamil country exported a variety of goods to Greece
and Rome during the Sangam Age. The most important of them
were spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves and ginger. The other
items of export include sandal paste, flowers, scents, aromatic wood
like Ahil, ivory, pearls, corals, medicinal plants, banana and rice.
There was also a great demand in the west for the cotton clothes
manufactured in the Tamil country. The Sangam literature reveals
that fine varieties of clothes had been exported to the West. Further,
varieties of beads, diamonds, sapphire, topaz, emerald, tortoise
shells were bought by the Romans. The pearls of the Pandyan
kingdom and the cotton clothes of Uraiyur had been largely
exported.
Try to know the imports and exports of the present
day commerce. Have a discussion in the class by
comparing the ancient foreign trade with that of
the present.
The imports into the Tamil country had almost remained
less than its exports. The imported goods include sweet wine, gold
coins and ornaments, glass, copper and other articles. The horses
for the Pandyan and other kingdoms of South India were brought
in ships from foreign countries.
Sea-ports:
The development of overseas trade was made easy by the
seaports situated on the coasts of the Tamil country. There were
several seaports in the Tamil country during the Sangam period.
The most important seaports on the eastern coast were
Mamallapuram, Poduke, Puhar, Poraiyaru, Korkai and
Kumari. The Sangam literature, Pattinappalai provides the details
of the Puhar harbour and its activities. The port-town Korkai had
remained famous for its pearls. It was the primary port of the
Pandyan kingdom. On the West coast, Musiri and Tondi were the
two important seaports. Warehouses for storing the goods were
built along the coasts. The chief ports had their lighthouses, which
were called in the Tamil literature as Kalangarai Ilangu Sudar.
Facilities were also made in the seaports for repairing the ships.
The arrival and stay of foreign merchants in port towns were
common during the Sangam period. People from various countries
had also lived in port towns and this paved the way for the
development of cosmopolitan civic system in these towns.
Thus, throughout the Sangam period, the Tamil country had
maintained commercial and other contacts with Greece and Rome.
39
Page 5


UNIT - II
4. THE GREEK AND ROMAN CONTACTS
WITH ANCIENT TAMIL COUNTRY
From the very early times, Tamil country had carried on an
extensive trade with foreign countries. The Greeks and Romans
had commercial contacts with the Tamil country from about the
Third century B.C. These trade relations had lasted throughout the
Sangam period. We have plenty of sources to study the maritime
activities during the Sangam Age.
Literary Sources:
The Sangam literature refers to the Greeks and Romans as
Yavanas. The Sangam poems describe the trading activities of
Greek and Roman merchants in the Tamil country. They mention
the important seaports and also about the exports and imports.
Similarly, the Greek and Roman writers of that period mention
the details of the commercial contacts between their countries and
South India. Particularly, the writers like Pliny, Ptolemy, Plutarch
and the author of the Periplus had described the condition of trade
in the First and Second centuries A.D.
Archaeological Sources:
The archaeological evidences have further supplemented the
literary sources relating to the foreign trade. The Arikkamedu
excavations remain as the important evidence for the Greek and
Roman trade in the Tamil country. The place Arikkamedu, near
Pondicherry had remained an important centre of trade for Greeks
and Romans. The Greek writers had referred to this place as
Poduke. There was a great Roman Factory at Arikkamedu. Many
articles such as coins, porcelain, jars and tubs for the purpose of
dyeing clothes have also been found there. Further, Roman coins,
pottery and other articles have been found in other parts of Tamil
Nadu. Excavations have also been conducted at Puhar,
Kanchipuram, Alagankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal and other
places. Greek and Roman coins and other articles have been found
in these places confirming the foreign trade during the Sangam
Age.
Coins:
Plenty of Roman coins have been found all over Tamil Nadu,
particularly in the coastal areas. From these coins we come to know
that the Roman emperors like Augustus Caesar, Tiberius and Nero
had issued them. Since they lived in the First and Second centuries
A.D., it may be said that the Sangam Tamils had trade relations
with the Roman Empire.
Greeks:
The Greeks were the first to enter into trade contacts with the
Tamil region in about Third century B.C. The Greeks had adopted and
the Greek language. The Greeks had paid much attention on the
West coast. The seaport Musiri had remained their important
trading centre. The Greeks provided an important link between
Tamil country and the West, via Egypt.
Romans:
After the Greeks, the Romans began to arrive in the Tamil
Fig. 8. Ancient Coins
38
mentioned several Tamil names for the commodities
that were available in the Tamil country.  For example, they had
adopted the Tamil word Arisi (rice) and mentioned it as Oriza in
Similarly, the Greek and Roman writers of that period mention
the details of the commercial contacts between their countries and
South India. Particularly, the writers like Pliny, Ptolemy, Plutarch
and the author of the Periplus had described the condition of trade
in the First and Second centuries A.D.
Archaeological Sources:
The archaeological evidences have further supplemented the
literary sources relating to the foreign trade. The Arikkamedu
excavations remain as the important evidence for the Greek and
Roman trade in the Tamil country. The place Arikkamedu, near
Pondicherry had remained an important centre of trade for Greeks
and Romans. The Greek writers had referred to this place as
Poduke. There was a great Roman Factory at Arikkamedu. Many
articles such as coins, porcelain, jars and tubs for the purpose of
dyeing clothes have also been found there. Further, Roman coins,
pottery and other articles have been found in other parts of Tamil
Nadu. Excavations have also been conducted at Puhar,
Kanchipuram, Alagankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal and other
places. Greek and Roman coins and other articles have been found
in these places confirming the foreign trade during the Sangam
Age.
Coins:
Plenty of Roman coins have been found all over Tamil Nadu,
particularly in the coastal areas. From these coins we come to know
that the Roman emperors like Augustus Caesar, Tiberius and Nero
had issued them. Since they lived in the First and Second centuries
A.D., it may be said that the Sangam Tamils had trade relations
with the Roman Empire.
Greeks:
The Greeks were the first to enter into trade contacts with the
Tamil region in about Third century B.C. The Greeks had adopted and
the Greek language. The Greeks had paid much attention on the
West coast. The seaport Musiri had remained their important
trading centre. The Greeks provided an important link between
Tamil country and the West, via Egypt.
Romans:
After the Greeks, the Romans began to arrive in the Tamil
Fig. 8. Ancient Coins
38
mentioned several Tamil names for the commodities
that were available in the Tamil country.  For example, they had
adopted the Tamil word Arisi (rice) and mentioned it as Oriza in
country. The Pandyan kingdom was the first to get the benefit of
the Roman trade. The Romans had employed the Tamil merchants
to buy and sell goods in the local market. They had also served in
the Pandyan army. In the First and Second centuries A.D., both
the Greeks and Romans expanded their trade in the Tamil country.
After that period, there was a gradual decline in the overseas trade.
The confusion in the Roman Empire and the collapse of the Sangam
age in the Third century A.D. put an end to the Greek and Roman
contacts with the Tamil country.
Exports and Imports:
The Tamil country exported a variety of goods to Greece
and Rome during the Sangam Age. The most important of them
were spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves and ginger. The other
items of export include sandal paste, flowers, scents, aromatic wood
like Ahil, ivory, pearls, corals, medicinal plants, banana and rice.
There was also a great demand in the west for the cotton clothes
manufactured in the Tamil country. The Sangam literature reveals
that fine varieties of clothes had been exported to the West. Further,
varieties of beads, diamonds, sapphire, topaz, emerald, tortoise
shells were bought by the Romans. The pearls of the Pandyan
kingdom and the cotton clothes of Uraiyur had been largely
exported.
Try to know the imports and exports of the present
day commerce. Have a discussion in the class by
comparing the ancient foreign trade with that of
the present.
The imports into the Tamil country had almost remained
less than its exports. The imported goods include sweet wine, gold
coins and ornaments, glass, copper and other articles. The horses
for the Pandyan and other kingdoms of South India were brought
in ships from foreign countries.
Sea-ports:
The development of overseas trade was made easy by the
seaports situated on the coasts of the Tamil country. There were
several seaports in the Tamil country during the Sangam period.
The most important seaports on the eastern coast were
Mamallapuram, Poduke, Puhar, Poraiyaru, Korkai and
Kumari. The Sangam literature, Pattinappalai provides the details
of the Puhar harbour and its activities. The port-town Korkai had
remained famous for its pearls. It was the primary port of the
Pandyan kingdom. On the West coast, Musiri and Tondi were the
two important seaports. Warehouses for storing the goods were
built along the coasts. The chief ports had their lighthouses, which
were called in the Tamil literature as Kalangarai Ilangu Sudar.
Facilities were also made in the seaports for repairing the ships.
The arrival and stay of foreign merchants in port towns were
common during the Sangam period. People from various countries
had also lived in port towns and this paved the way for the
development of cosmopolitan civic system in these towns.
Thus, throughout the Sangam period, the Tamil country had
maintained commercial and other contacts with Greece and Rome.
39
country. The Pandyan kingdom was the first to get the benefit of
the Roman trade. The Romans had employed the Tamil merchants
to buy and sell goods in the local market. They had also served in
the Pandyan army. In the First and Second centuries A.D., both
the Greeks and Romans expanded their trade in the Tamil country.
After that period, there was a gradual decline in the overseas trade.
The confusion in the Roman Empire and the collapse of the Sangam
age in the Third century A.D. put an end to the Greek and Roman
contacts with the Tamil country.
Exports and Imports:
The Tamil country exported a variety of goods to Greece
and Rome during the Sangam Age. The most important of them
were spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves and ginger. The other
items of export include sandal paste, flowers, scents, aromatic wood
like Ahil, ivory, pearls, corals, medicinal plants, banana and rice.
There was also a great demand in the west for the cotton clothes
manufactured in the Tamil country. The Sangam literature reveals
that fine varieties of clothes had been exported to the West. Further,
varieties of beads, diamonds, sapphire, topaz, emerald, tortoise
shells were bought by the Romans. The pearls of the Pandyan
kingdom and the cotton clothes of Uraiyur had been largely
exported.
Try to know the imports and exports of the present
day commerce. Have a discussion in the class by
comparing the ancient foreign trade with that of
the present.
The imports into the Tamil country had almost remained
less than its exports. The imported goods include sweet wine, gold
coins and ornaments, glass, copper and other articles. The horses
for the Pandyan and other kingdoms of South India were brought
in ships from foreign countries.
Sea-ports:
The development of overseas trade was made easy by the
seaports situated on the coasts of the Tamil country. There were
several seaports in the Tamil country during the Sangam period.
The most important seaports on the eastern coast were
Mamallapuram, Poduke, Puhar, Poraiyaru, Korkai and
Kumari. The Sangam literature, Pattinappalai provides the details
of the Puhar harbour and its activities. The port-town Korkai had
remained famous for its pearls. It was the primary port of the
Pandyan kingdom. On the West coast, Musiri and Tondi were the
two important seaports. Warehouses for storing the goods were
built along the coasts. The chief ports had their lighthouses, which
were called in the Tamil literature as Kalangarai Ilangu Sudar.
Facilities were also made in the seaports for repairing the ships.
The arrival and stay of foreign merchants in port towns were
common during the Sangam period. People from various countries
had also lived in port towns and this paved the way for the
development of cosmopolitan civic system in these towns.
Thus, throughout the Sangam period, the Tamil country had
maintained commercial and other contacts with Greece and Rome.
39