The Spice Trade's Secret Weapon: Cinnamon in the Ancient World

In this episode of Trade Routes That Changed Human History Forever, Lucas and Luna dive into the surprising story of cinnamon — the spice that drove ancient exploration and trade long before pepper or cloves dominated the market. They trace its mysterious origins from Sri Lanka's wild forests to the kitchens of Rome, where Pliny the Elder complained about its exorbitant price. Discover how Arab merchants guarded the sources of cassia and cinnamon with elaborate tall tales, how cinnamon was used in Egyptian embalming rituals, and why Nero burned a year's supply at his wife's funeral. The episode also explores the rivalry between cinnamon and cassia, the monsoon-driven trade across the Indian Ocean, and the role of cinnamon in medieval European medicine and cuisine. Along the way, Lucas and Luna connect cinnamon's story to broader themes of monopolies, exploration, and globalization. #CinnamonTrade #AncientSpices #SriLanka #PlinyTheElder #IndianOceanTrade #RomanEmpire #EgyptianEmbalming #Cassia #Nero #MonsoonTrade #ArabMerchants #SpiceRoutes #AncientHistory #GlobalTrade #History #FexingoHistory #TradeRoutes #SpiceTrade Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo