Cinnamon was traded from the Far East 3,000 years ago

The sale of cinnamon spices from the Far East region to Israel took place more than 3,000 years ago, the archaeologists concluded so after analyzing ancient bottles in Israel.

Scientists analyzed the composition of 27 ancient 3000-year jars at an archaeological site in Israel, and discovered 10 containers of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon flavors.

Cinnamon bark.(Photo: Theresekerr)

Also around that date, cinnamon is very far away from Israel, the closest point is southern India and Sri Lanka, 5,000km from Israel, Livescience said.

The above makes scientists think that cinnamon has been traded from the Far East to the Middle East since 30 centuries ago. Similarly, another spice is black pepper, found in the mummy of Ramesses II, an Egyptian pharaoh who lived 3,200 years ago, also of Far Eastern origin.

The ancient Phoenicians of the northern coast of Israel made cinnamon containers, they had a narrow opening and thick walls. Namdar and Gilboa from Tel Aviv University said: "Cinnamon bark is transported to Israel from the Far East region, the Phoenicians mix it with a special liquid, then they transport it throughout the neighborhood like Phili , southwest of Israel today, or Cyprus ".

A mystery that researchers face is what cinnamon is used for in this period? Namdar and Gilboa said: ' People combine cinnamon with wine to create its own flavor'.