The Secret Spice Route

Ceylon's cinnamon did not remain within the island's forests. By the 10th century, it had become part of the thriving trade networks that connected the Indian Ocean with the Middle East and Europe.

Arab merchants played a central role in this trade. They obtained cinnamon along the western coast of Ceylon and carried it westward through the Arabian Sea, eventually reaching the Red Sea and Mediterranean markets. The true origin of the spice was carefully guarded, helping protect the value of Ceylon's cinnamon.

This secrecy created an extraordinary mystery around cinnamon in distant markets. European merchants knew the spice as a precious commodity, but for centuries, many did not know exactly where it came from.

By the Kingdom of Kotte (15th century), the cinnamon trade had become important enough to come under royal control, while Arab traders continued to play a major role in transporting it overseas.

Ceylon had something the world wanted.

And soon, Europe would come looking for it.

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