A Brief History of Punt and Its Connection to Eritrea
Between roughly 2500 BC and 1000 BC, a civilisation known as Punt was mentioned in Egyptian hieroglyphics — an almost mythical land referred to as "The Land of Plenty" and "The Land of the Gods".
Preface: Punt is thought to have encompassed areas of Eritrea, Northern Ethiopia, and parts of Northern Somalia, reaching down to the region of Puntland in modern day Somalia. It is speculated to have been a society of diverse ethnic groups, though establishing a concrete connection to contemporary ethnicities remains, at best, uncertain. While this article focuses on Punt within the northern regions of Ethiopia and Eritrea, it does not negate the likelihood that Punt also included regions of Modern-day Somalia or Djibouti.
I will begin by introducing Punt, then explore the evidence suggesting that Eritrea was likely part of Punt, and finally provide an overview of its history.
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The ancient civilisation known as Punt has intrigued historians and archaeologists alike due to its mysterious nature and the limited information available. Punt is thought to have existed between approximately 2500 BC and 1000 BC. This timeframe places Punt in a significant historical context, intersecting with the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom periods of ancient Egypt. Despite the many expeditions recorded by the Egyptians to this mysterious land, the exact location of Punt remains a topic of debate among scholars.
On the left is Myrhh and on the right, Frankincense. (Source)
Punt was renowned in ancient Egypt for its abundant production of Frankincense and Myrrh, earning it the titles “The Land of Plenty” and “The Land Of The Gods” due to its vast resources and the exotic, distant character of its land & people.
Interestingly, Punt was never invaded by Ancient Egyptian military forces, nor did the Egyptians establish any permanent settlements there1. This is particularly notable given the extended periods (sometimes lasting up to three months2) , that Egyptians spent in Punt during their expeditions, highlighting its significant economic importance. Conversely, the great distance between Egypt and Punt likely played a role in deterring any military action.
Firstly, it appears that the Egyptians found it more convenient to depend on the Puntites for the production and transportation of trade items, instead of trying to conquer and transform Punt into a subject territory. The challenges of navigating the distant location of Punt, along with the perils of sea voyages, probably rendered the idea of a military expedition impractical and resource-intensive.
Secondly, the Egyptians may have greatly esteemed the Puntites, often referring to their land as the “Land of the Gods”. This high regard could have influenced their decision against invasion.
Where was Punt located?
The precise location of Punt remains a topic of considerable debate, with theories suggesting various regions such as the southern Arabian coast, Eritrea, Northern Ethiopia, and Somalia. Currently, a majority of scholars lean towards the view that Punt likely included the territories of present-day Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea3. The vague details in ancient writings, along with sparse archaeological findings, continue to fuel discussions on its exact location. In this section, I will explain why Eritrea (along with adjacent areas of the northern Ethiopian highlands) was a crucial component of Punt. However, this does not eliminate the possibility that Somalia was also a significant part of Punt, as it very likely was.
Connection to the Eritrean region
Bia-Punt
What is Bia-Punt?
Punt often acted as an intermediary for other African nations in their trade with Egypt. While little is known about most of these "other" nations, records and research have shed some light on three: Amu, Irem, and Bia-Punt. Among these, Bia-Punt is the most documented and is thought to be a region within Punt4, most likely located in Northern Eritrea. This area was particularly noted for its mining activities, suggesting that Bia-Punt was a significant source of minerals and possibly other valuable resources in the trade networks between Egypt and the African interior.
Sesostris I
During the reign of Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Sesostris I (1956-1911 BC), a shrine belonging to an official named Ankhu was discovered. The shrine consisted of three discarded stone anchors, and it contained the following inscription, mentioning the “mining region of Punt”:
“1st Month of Winter, Day…Superintendent of ship’s captains…to reach…with troops of recruits… The Superintendent of ships’ captains, Superintendent of recruits,…sent to the mining region [of] Punt… I returned… for the Majesty of King Sesostris I…ship[s]…their land, the products of God’s Land with them…all that [the god] Tatonen had created, from everything of this land…these products, which they had assembled for revenue” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate 'God's Land' , pg 34
Anchors used in the shrine of Ankhu and the inscription from the shrine - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate 'God's Land' , pg 27
The Tale Of The Shipwrecked Sailor
The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor is among the few intact fictional narratives from the Middle Kingdom. It recounts the journey of a sailor who, after being shipwrecked during a voyage to a mining area, encounters the prince of Punt.
This narrative offers additional proof that trips to Punt extended beyond mere commercial pursuits. It suggests that, besides the trade of incense and luxury African products, Punt was also linked with mining activities. The story of the shipwrecked sailor is as follows:
“I went to the mining country for the sovereign. I went down the sea in a boat 120 cubits long and 40 cubits wide. One hundred and twenty sailors from among the best in Egypt were in it… A stormwind broke out while we were at sea, before we had touched land… Then the boat died . And of those who were in it not a single one survived. Next I set upon an island by the surf of the sea, and I spent three days alone, my heart as my companion. … Then I heard the sound of a thunderclap, but I thought it was the surf of the sea. … I discovered it was a serpent coming along. … his body was plated with gold. He said to me: Do not fear, little one, do not turn white. God has allowed you to live. He had brought you to this Island of the Ka. … You shall spend month after month until you complete four months within the island. A boat shall come back from home with sailors in it who you know. You shall go home with them, and you shall die in your village. … I said to him: I shall relate your prowess to the sovereign, and I shall inform him of your greatness. I shall have brought to you laudanum, henku-oil, iudeneb, cassia and incense for the temples with which to satisfy every god. … Then he laughed and he said to me: Myrrh is not abundant with you… I am the Prince of Punt; myrrh belongs to me… henku-oil is the main product of this island!… Then that boat came, as he had foretold before…And he gave me a cargo consisting of myrrh, henku-oil, iudeneb, cassia, tishepses, shasekh, black eye-paint, giraffe tails, large cakes of incense, elephant tusks, hounds, apes, baboons and every kind of precious thing. I then loaded them onto this boat… I went down to the shore in the vicinity of this ship, and I called out to the troops who were in this ship. I gave praise upon the shore to the lord of this island, and those who were in the ship did likewise. … We sailed northward to the Residence city of the sovereign, and we arrived at the Residence in two months. - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate 'God's Land,' pg 36
Please be aware that various translations of the story exist, with each one differing slightly in their interpretation.
The Story Of The Shipwrecked Sailors mentions a snake prince, which is eerily similar to the worship of the snake arwe which is attested to in Habesha's prior to the arrival of christianity in the 4th century AD.
Abuna Aragawi riding a large serpant up Debre Dammo - Painting at St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa
Precambrian rocks
Eritrea stands out in the region due to its geological uniqueness. It is the only territory in Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula characterised entirely by Precambrian formations. This distinction makes Eritrea exceptionally significant from a geological and economic perspective, particularly in terms of mineral extraction and potential mining activities. These Precambrian rocks point to Eritrea, being the mining region of Bia-Punt mentioned in the Ancient Egyptian inscriptions above.
Precambrian rocks are some of the oldest on the planet, forming the Earth’s early crust. These ancient geological formations are known for their potential to contain valuable mineral deposits. In Northeast Africa, areas with old metamorphic (Precambrian) rocks are particularly noted for their gold-yielding potential. The presence of these rocks is a key indicator for geologists and mining companies when exploring for gold deposits5.
Geological formations in Northeast Africa, Precambrian, are highlighted in gold.(Source)
Adulis and Ancient Egyptian Baboons
Adulis, located on the coast of present-day Eritrea, was a critical maritime hub that played a significant role in the ancient maritime trade network. Its history can be traced back to at least the first millennium BCE, highlighting its long-standing importance in connecting various civilisations6. This port city was pivotal in facilitating the movement of ships, goods, and ideas among major ancient centres such as Egypt, Arabia, and India. During this period, the exchange of goods and cultural practices among these regions was instrumental in shaping their individual and collective histories.
Hermopolis Magna, currently known as el-Ashmunein, is situated in Upper Egypt and was esteemed as a significant religious centre dedicated to the worship of the god Thoth during the Pharaonic period9. Thoth was venerated as the god of writing, wisdom, and the moon, and held the title of vizier to the gods. His significance in the Egyptian pantheon is reflected in the grandeur and devotion evident in the sanctuary and temple complex of Hermopolis Magna7.
The religious site was famed for its numerous colossal statues, each weighing approximately 35 tons, representing P. hamadryas, a species of baboon, as manifestations of Thoth8.
State Of Thot erected by Amenhotep III, 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom, 1390–1353 BCE(Source).
Eritrea, Adulis and Thoth
The worship of Thoth and the reverence for baboons in ancient Egypt is further illuminated by archaeological discoveries in the region, particularly in Gabbanat el-Qurud, also known as the “Valley of the Monkeys” in Egypt. Excavations and analyses in this area have uncovered mummified baboons dating from around 800–540 BCE. These findings provide insight into the religious practices and animal mummification traditions of the time.
Significantly, the complete mitochondrial genomes of a mummified baboon from Gabbanat el-Qurud, along with 14 specimens from museums, have been analysed, revealing a notable connection. The phylogenetic assignment of these baboons links them to modern populations of Papio hamadryas in Eritrea9. This connection suggests that the region of present-day Eritrea, particularly the area around Adulis, was likely a source for the baboons revered and mummified by the Egyptians.
Present-day distributions of six baboon species. The purple highlights P.hamadryas(Source)
Obsidian at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis, Linked to Eritrea
Map of Egypt showing the location of the three Dynastic harbours of Mersa/Wadi Gawasis, Ayn Soukhna and Wadi Al-Jarf, and inset with the satellite image of Wadi Gawasis (Source)
In 2004, the archaeological team led by the distinguished Egyptologists Kathryn Bard and Rodolfo Fattovich conducted significant excavations at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis in Egypt. This site was identified as the ancient port of Saww, which played a crucial role during the Egyptian expeditions to the mysterious land known as Punt10.
Discoveries and Artefacts
The archaeological findings at Mersa/Wadi Gawasis were notable for a variety of reasons. Among the most significant discoveries were a number of commodities believed to have been brought back from Punt. One of the most intriguing finds was obsidian, a type of volcanic glass. Given that obsidian does not occur naturally in Egypt, its presence at the site provided clear evidence of long-distance trade11.
Wadi Gawasis. Obsidian artefacts from the 1976–77 excavations (a: Artefact 1 — chunk; b: Artefact 2 — Sidescraper on flake; c: Artefact 3 — Flake from a multiple platform core; d: Artefact 4 — Fragment of a multiple platform core; e: Artefact 5 — Blade from a single platform core) (photo: G. Lucarini, IAJAE Archive). (Source)
Geochemical Analysis of Obsidian
A crucial part of understanding the significance of the obsidian artifacts involved geochemical analysis. This analysis was performed on six obsidian fragments previously gathered from Mersa Gawasis. The objective was to compare these fragments with those from potential source areas across the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, specifically from sites in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Yemen.
The results of this comparison were enlightening. Among the sites sampled, Kusrale in Eritrea was identified as the most likely source of five of the six analyzed obsidian artifacts from Mersa Gawasis12.
One of the names given to the Puntites was Khebsi, it was more commonly used during the later dynastic periods of Ancient Egypt13. This term may be related to the modern-day Tigrinya word ከበሳ (Kebessa) meaning highlander/highlands, (Highlands of Eritrea).
Note: Francis Breyer suggests that the “Puntites” were also referred to as “hbstiw,” which later evolved into “hbst” during the Aksumite period. In Arabic inscriptions, this term appeared as “habasat”, leading to the modern term “habesha”14.
The highlands of Eritrea were probably one of the first places where Habeshas originated from, with the first inhabitants near the coastline near Adulis being given the name Khebsi.
Interestingly, Ancient Egyptians commonly depicted Puntites as red/copper-toned, similar to depictions of themselves; this was in contrast to depictions of some Nubians. This can be seen vividly in the 15th-century BC mural below:
Vizier Rekhmire Grand Procession mural at Thebes, Egypt. Top row=Puntites (left), Nilotes (far right); Middle row=Cretans; Bottom row=Hamitic-type Nubians, Nilote (center-right). (Source)
Conclusion
Based on the evidence provided above, which includes the mentions of mining in Bia-Punt, genetic analysis of Papio hamadryas baboons in ancient Egypt linked to modern-day populations in Eritrea, and the analysis of obsidian fragments linked to Eritrea, we can conclude that Eritrea was, at the very least, a part of Punt, if not the central region of Punt.
The Palermo stone is one of the seven fragments of the Royal Annals of Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom. It contains a list of the kings of Egypt from the First Dynasty to the Fifth Dynasty. This stone has one of the earliest known references to Punt. The hieroglyphics on the stone document several items that were brought from Punt, specifically mentioning the following:
“RE… of land in the North and South; Hathor of land in the North and South; … of land in the North and South;… … all things There were brought from: The Malachite-country, … 6000. Punt, 80,000 measures of myrrh, 6000 … of electrum, 2,600 … staves … . Year after the seventh numbering.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 26
What is electrum? Richard Pankhurt states that “Electrum usually reffered to the alloy of gold and silver, but in the context of imports from Ethiopia/or the Red Sea area it probably referred to pure gold”15.
Although what is written after “staves” is not documented, we can make an educated guess that it refers to 2,600 staves made of wood.
The creation of a wood stave used for a wooden pipeline. (Source)
Harkhuf (2300BC-2150BC)
The official account of Harkhuf provides a detailed report of four expeditions that he carried out while serving two of the Sixth Dynasty pharaohs, namely Pharaoh Merenre (c. 2287–2278 BC) and Pharaoh Pepi II (c. 2278–2184 BC). In one of these expeditions, there is a mention of a previous expedition to Punt, led by ‘god’s seal-bearer Bawerded’, during the reign of Pharaoh Djedkare Izezi (c. 2414–2375 BC) in the Fifth Dynasty. Specifically, it mentions that Bawerded brought back a dancing pygmy from Punt:
“The King’s own seal: Year 2, third month of the first season, day 15. The King’s decree to the Sole companion, Lector-priest, Chief of scouts, Harkhuf. Notice has been taken of this dispatch of ours which you made for the King at the Palace, to let one know that you have come down in safety from Yam with the army that was with you. You have said in this dispatch of yours that you have brought all kinds of great and beautiful gifts, which Hathor mistress of Imaau has given to the ka of King Neferkare, who lives forever. You have said in this dispatch of yours that you have brought a pygmy of the god’s dances from the land of the horizon-dwellers, like the pygmy whom the god’s seal-bearer Bawerded brought from Punt in the time of King Isesi. You have said to my majesty that his life has never been brought by anyone who did Yam previously. … Come north to the residence at once! Hurry and bring with you this pygmy whom you brought from the land of the horizon-dwellers … When he goes down with you into the ship, get worthy men to be around him on deck, lest he fall into the water! When he lies down at night, get worthy men to lie around him in his tent. Inspect ten times at night! My majesty desires to see this pygmy more than the gifts of the mine-land and of Punt.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 29
This inscription suggests that slave trading was probably an activity conducted within Punt. Puntites, often depicted with a similar complexion to the Ancient Egyptians (red or copper), weren't described as pygmies. Therefore, the pygmy depicted was likely of foreign origin, possibly from surrounding regions, and captured then sold to the ancient Egyptians.
Henu (2055BC-1985BC)
In the Eleventh Dynasty, specifically from around 2055–1985 BC, during the eighth year of Pharaoh Mentuhotep III’s rule, a prominent official named Henu led a force of three thousand militia members to the Red Sea coast to supervise the construction and launching of a ship intended for an expedition to Punt. The inscriptions left by Henu confirm that such journeys to Punt through the Red Sea were indeed undertaken.
This also suggests that trade with Punt was deemed so crucial that it fell directly under the royal or pharaonic authority. The inscription reads as follows:
“My lord, life, prosperity, health! sent me to dispatch a ship to Punt to bring for him fresh myrrh from the sheiks over the Red Land… Then I went forth from Koptos on the road, which his majesty commanded me. There was with me an army of the South … The army cleared the way before, overthrowing those hostile toward the king, the hunters and the children of the highlands were posted as the protection of my limbs … I went forth with an army of 3,000 men. I made the road a river, and the Red Land (desert) a stretch of field, for I gave a leathern bottle, a carrying pole, 2 jars of water and 20 loaves to each one among them every day … Now, I made 12 wells in the bush and two wells in Idehet [and] I made another in Iheteb. Then I reached the (Red) Sea; then I made this ship, and I dispatched it with everything, when I had made for it a great oblation of cattle, bulls and ibexes. Now, after my return from the Red Sea, I executed the command of his majesty, and I brought for him all the gifts, which I had found in the regions of God’s-Land. I returned through the valley of Hammamat, I brought for him august blocks for statues belonging to the temple.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 33
Interestingly, This inscription records the challenges faced by the Ancient Egyptians from nomadic tribes prior to the building of the boats for the expedition to Punt. This is probably one of the reasons why a dedicated port was created for future expeditions of Punt.
After King Mentuhotep IV (2242–2212 BC) founded the port of Mersa Gawasis, several stelae and inscribed stone anchors were discovered near the Mersa Gawasis. These artifacts date back to the reign of Sesostris I (c. 1956–1911 BC). As previously discussed, these inscriptions are attributed to an official named Ankhu. One of these inscriptions reads the following:
“1st Month of Winter, Day…Superintendent of ship’s captains…to reach…with troops of recruits…The Superintendent of ships’ captains, Superintendent of recruits,…sent to the mining region [of] Punt… Ireturned… for the Majesty of King Sesostris I…ship[s]…their land, the products of God’s Land withthem…all that [the god] Tatonen had created, from everything of this land…these products, which they hadassembled for revenue…” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 34
The stela of Khentkhetwer was discovered in Wadi Gasus. It is believed to have originated from a location near the Red Sea port. The stela is dated from Year 28 of the reign of Amenemhat II (c. 1911–1877 BC). It provides conclusive evidence that expeditions to and from Punt did occur from a Red Sea harbor (Sa’waw/Wadi Gasus). The Stela includes the following inscription:
“Giving divine praise and laudation to Horus, to Min of Koptos, by the hereditary prince, count, wearer of the royal seal, the master of the judgment-hall Khentkhetwer after his arrival in safety from Punt; his army being with him, prosperous and healthy; and his ships having landed at Sa’waw.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’, pg 37
Wadi Gasus and Wadi Gawasis are two separate locations, each possessing its own harbor named Mersa Gasus and Mersa Gawasis, respectively. These two sites are located within a range of 2 kilometers. In the Arabic language, ‘wadi’ signifies ‘valley’ and ‘mersa’ refers to ‘small harbour'16.
Temple of Deir al-Bahri , Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple (Source)
Pharaoh Hatshepsut, reigning from circa 1473 to 1458 BC, is one of the most fascinating figures of ancient Egypt. Known for her ambition and innovation, she chose to construct her mortuary temple in a valley previously utilised by her ancestor, Mentuhotep II, for his own temple. However, Hatshepsut’s vision was to create something far grander. Her temple is known as Djeser-djeseru or ‘the Holiest of Holies’.
The temple stands as a testament to Hatshepsut’s power and divine claim to the throne, with its walls adorned with intricate scenes from her life. These scenes are not mere decorations; they serve as historical narratives and political propaganda. They depict various significant events such as her divine birth, symbolising her divine right to rule, the dedication of two obelisks at the temple of Amun at Karnak, representing her piety and religious devotion, and notably, her famed expedition to the land of Punt.
As per all the expeditions mentioned previously, an official, this time named Nehsi was tasked with the actual act of travelling in the expedition, Nehsi represented the Pharoah Hatshepsut in her journey.
Artwork, Featuring Nehsi & Queen Hatshepsut, upon their arrival back from Punt. (Source)
The Expedition to Punt
One of the most celebrated achievements of Hatshepsut’s reign was the expedition to Punt, officially proclaimed in the ninth year of her reign. The depiction of this expedition is prominently displayed on the southern wall of the middle colonnade on the middle terrace of her mortuary temple. According to the relief scenes, the motivation for this journey was a divine directive from the god Amun.
Luxor, Egypt 1908: Temple of Deir el-Bahari at Thebes. (Source)
The scene on the south wall is divided into six registers that are read from the bottom to the top. The first register shows the Egyptian Envoy accompanied by an officer and eight armed soldiers. They are standing in front of goods meant for trade and gifts which include beads, an axe, a dagger and bracelets.
Next to the scene above, on the left, stand the Chief of Punt, Perehu, his wife Eti, and their sons and daughters.
The inscription encompanying reads as follows:
"The landing of the royal messenger in the Divine Land, with the soldiers who accompany him, in the presence of the chiefs of Punt, to bring all good things from the sovereign (l.p.h.) to Hathor, the lady of Punt, in order that she may grant (l.p.h) to her majesty.
Next to the scene above, on the left is the Chief of Punt, Perehu, and his wife, Eti, and their sons and daughters. The inscriptions, told from the perspective of the Chief of Punt, read the following:
'You have arrived here in what way, to this land which the Egyptians did not know? Have you come through the ways of the sky, or have you travelled on water to the green land, the divine land to which Ra had transported you?'" - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 45
Chief of Punt, his wife and their family. (Source)
The inquiry from the Puntite about the Egyptians’ method of travel, coupled with the claim that the Egyptians lacked the knowledge to reach their lands, likely suggests a significant gap of time since the last expedition between Egypt and Punt.
On the far left of the first register, we can see the homes of Punt and a dog squatting.
The second register is positioned above the previous scenes. In this register, the Egyptian head official is shown standing beside the tent of the Punt chiefs. Goods brought from Punt for trade — including myrrh and gold rings — are displayed next to the tent. The inscriptions above the tent read as follows:
“The preparing of the tent for the royal messenger and his soldiers, in the harbours of frankincense of Punt, on the shore of the sea, in order to receive the chiefs of this land, and to present them with bread, beer, wine, meat, fruits and all the good things of the land of Egypt, as has been ordered by the sovereign” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 49
This specific relief suggests that trade between the ancient Egyptians and the Puntites was mutually beneficial, rather than being one-sided or coerced.
Finally, the registers at the top, which have unfortunately been damaged, show the gathering and transportation of Puntite goods such as myrrh.
On the adjacent western wall, above the previous relief, the departure of the five Egyptian ships from Punt is shown. The inscriptions read as follows:
“… All the good woods of the divine land, heaps of gum of anti, and trees of green anti, with ebony, with pure ivory, with pure gold of the land of Amu, with cinnamon wood, khesit wood, with balsam, resin, antimony, with cynocephali, monkeys, greyhounds, with skins of panthers of the south, with inhabitants of the country and their children.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 49
Clear reference to Puntites travelling with the Ancient Egyptians, back to Ancient Egypt is stated here.
Further on the far right of the relief above, we can see the arrival of Puntite chiefs in Egypt. Specifically, in the bottom registers, the chiefs of Punt are seen giving praise to Queen Hatshepsut.
Egyptians, Puntites and other southern chiefs bringing commodities before the pharaoh Hatshepsut on the western wall in the Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. The bottom two registers depict the chiefs of Punt and the upper two, the chiefs of Irem and Nmy. (Profiling Punt : using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’GOD’S LAND’)
Thutmosis III
During the reign of Thutmosis III, who ruled approximately from 1479 to 1425 BC, there were Theban tomb paintings were discovered in the Valley of the Kings. These paintings provide valuable insights into the economic and diplomatic exchanges between Egypt and Punt during that era.
The oldest of these is the tomb of Puyemre. The scene is divided into three registers. The upper register shows scribes carefully measuring and recording heaps of myrrh.
The middle register provides a vivid representation of the various goods exchanged between Egypt and Punt, which included not only myrrh but also incense trees, ebony, and ivory tusks.
The lowest register portrays a scene that may represent the reception of a trade envoy or a tribute from Punt. This suggests that there was a form of diplomatic relationship between the two regions during that era.
Amenhotep II (1427–1400 BC)
In the tomb of Rekhmire, who was a vizier during the reigns of Thutmosis III and Amenhotep II (around 1427–1400 BC), a similar scene of Puntite envoys carrying goods can be found.
Men from Punt Carrying Gifts, Tomb of Rekhmire. (Source)
Puntite Envoys
Further evidence supporting the theory that Puntites sent envoys to Egypt is found in another tomb, which some scholars attribute to Min, a Chief Treasurer during the reign of Amenhotep II. The tomb’s paintings include detailed scenes spread across five registers, illustrating the arrival of a Puntite envoy to Thebes. These depictions are significant as they provide insights into the nature of the interactions and the means of transport used by the Puntites.
These crafts are characterised by their pink bases, a single mast, and a triangular black sail, which suggests a unique design tailored to their voyaging needs. Each raft is depicted as being manned by three sailors, with a fourth individual using an oar to navigate and steer the vessel. This portrayal not only highlights the maritime capabilities of the Puntites but also suggests regular and established routes of travel between Punt and Thebes through inland routes17.
The lower register of the tomb paintings reveals a continuation of the trade interaction. Here, an Egyptian official is depicted gesturing towards commodities of Egyptian origin, such as bread, jars (likely containing wine or beer), and packed skins, possibly filled with grain. This display of Egyptian goods suggests a reciprocal trade arrangement, where both parties benefited from the exchange of local specialties and resources.
Thutmosis IV (1400–1390 BC)
Further evidence of Puntites travelling to Egypt can be found in the tomb of Amenmose, the Treasurer of Thutmose IV, his tomb depicts an Egyptian official arriving on a chariot to greet a Puntite envoy18.
During the Eighteenth Dynasty, the Pharaoh Horemheb (1323–1295BC), recorded the reception of a Puntite envoy at the Temple of Karnak. The inscription reads as follows:
“Speech of the great chiefs of Punt: “Hail to thee, King of Egypt, Sun of the Nine Bows! By thy ka! We knew not Egypt; our fathers had not trodden it. Give us the breath which thou givest. All lands are under thy feet.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 58
Although the Puntite chief asserts that they had never seen Egypt before, the previously documented expeditions suggest that previous Puntites had indeed visited Egypt. It is more probable that this statement is an exaggeration, or that it reflects the Puntite chiefs’ unfamiliarity with the Egyptian region.
Temple at Abydos
The temple at Abydos contains two inscriptions that refer to Punt, one dating to the Pharoah Seti I (1294–1279 BC). This inscription states the following:
“The treasuries are full of valuables… myrrh is there from Punt, measured put by heaps… Created for him (Osiris) are fleets of ships to multiply herbs in his temple — their sheer number covered the sea — each vessel a hundred cubits long, laden with herbs from God’s Land.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 59
Another inscription from the time of Rameses II(1279–1213BC), mentions Punt:
“…he planted many gardens, planted with all kinds of trees, all sweet and fragrant herbs, the plants of Punt.” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 59
Ramses III (1217BC-1155BC)
In the Papyrus Harris I, which details the rule and achievements of Ramses III, there is a passage detailing a voyage to Punt. This expedition resulted in a significant collection of myrrh and included a child from the Punt chieftain’s family joining the voyage back to Egypt. This constitutes one of the final known mentions of Punt. The text from this record states the following:
“I hewed great galleys with barges before them, manned with numerous crews, and attendants in great number; their captains of marines were with them, with inspectors and petty officers, to command them. They were laden with the products of Egypt without number, being in every number like ten-thousands. They were sent forth into the great sea of the inverted water, they arrived at the countries of Punt, no mishap overtook them, safe and bearing terror. The galleys and the barges were laden with the products of God’s Land, consisting of all the strange marvels of their country: plentiful myrrh of Punt, laden by ten-thousands, without number. Their chief’s children of God’s-Land went before their tribute advancing to Egypt. They arrived in safety at the highland of Koptos; they landed in safety, bearing the things which they brought. They were loaded, on the land-journey, upon asses and upon men; and loaded into vessels upon the Nile, (at) the haven of Koptos. They were sent forward down-stream and arrived amid festivity, and brought (some) of the tribute into the (royal) presence like marvels. Their chief’s children were in adoration before me, kissing the earth, prostrate before me. I gave them to all the gods of this land, to satisfy the two serpent goddesses every morning” - Profiling Punt: using trade relations to locate ‘God’s Land’ pg 59
Conclusion
After the end of the New Kingdom Period (~1050 BCE), references to Punt are virtually absent, transforming it into a mythical narrative about a distant land rich in precious commodities like essence and myrrh. There is hope for future archaeological investigations, particularly in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, to provide deeper insights into this ancient land. It’s crucial to acknowledge that archaeological research in these areas is still in its infancy, with the potential for many more discoveries to come. The historical ties between the inhabitants of the Horn of Africa, including modern Habeshas, and the land of Punt, remain a fascinating aspect of our history and should be a source of pride.
“When I hold my love close, and her arms steal around me, I’m like a man translated to Punt, or like someone out in the reedflats, when the world suddenly bursts into flower” — Ancient Egyptian love song - Mysterious Lands Encounters With Ancient Egypt, pg 87.
Further Reading
My two favourite sources for my research into Punt were as follows:
https://landofpunt.wordpress.com/tag/ancient-inscriptions/ The article, along with its accompanying website, delves extensively into the history of ancient Punt. It explores its connection to contemporary populations through genetic evidence, among many other topics, all substantiated with citations. Highly recommended for anyone seeking further information on this subject.
The provenance of obsidian artefacts from the Middle Kingdom harbour of Mersa-Wadi Gawasis, Egypt, and its implications for Red Sea trade routes in the 2nd millennium BC (Lucarini et al 2020), pg 8.
