Empire Podcast Episode 214: The Empire of Frankincense & Myrrh

Hosted by William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, featuring historian Bettany Hughes.

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Empire, hosts William Dalrymple and Anita Anand delve into the ancient trade of frankincense and myrrh, exploring how these precious commodities shaped civilizations. Special guest Bettany Hughes joins the conversation to provide deep insights into the Nabataean civilization, renowned for their mastery in trade and hydro-engineering.

Frankincense and Myrrh: Origins and Harvesting

Bettany Hughes begins by elucidating the origins of frankincense and myrrh:

"[Frankincense comes] from the Boswellia sacra tree. It's very difficult to grow and is still harvested by Bedouin communities in places like Oman and Yemen" ([06:15]).

She describes the meticulous process of harvesting frankincense:

"They gently chip away at the trunk of the tree with millimeter precision to avoid wounding the tree. As they chip, the incense oozes out like milk, which then dries into a translucent, golden amber color" ([07:11]).

Hughes emphasizes the functional uses of these resins beyond their aromatic qualities:

"Frankincense has antibacterial and antibiotic properties, making it essential for embalming and anointing queens" ([09:02]).

The Nabataean Civilization

The discussion shifts to the Nabataean people, a pivotal yet often overlooked civilization:

"The Nabataeans were one of the most influential societies in the story of civilization, yet they often end up in the footnotes of history because they're not Greek, Roman, Egyptian, or Persian" ([14:23]).

Hughes highlights their expertise in trade and water management:

"They were brilliant water engineers and excellent traders, handling commodities like frankincense, pearls, textiles, and gold across 4,000 miles" ([15:56]).

Petra: The Nabataean Capital

Petra, the Nabataean capital, is described as a marvel of ancient engineering and artistry:

"Petra, originally called Rakmu, is an extraordinary city carved into the cliffs. It's not just a city but a vast archaeological park with tombs and temples" ([25:07]).

Dalrymple adds a cultural reference, likening Petra to its depiction in popular media:

"Indiana Jones has Harrison Ford riding down Petra’s narrow pathways, but in reality, it’s a spectacular oasis rich with palm trees, pools, and vibrant flora" ([33:27]).

Trade Routes and Conflicts with Greeks and Romans

The Nabataeans' control over trade routes made them both prosperous and targets for empires:

William Dalrymple narrates conflicts with Alexander the Great:

"Alexander the Great attacked Petra to seize the incense trade and bitumen, but the Nabataeans employed guerrilla tactics, using their knowledge of the desert to ambush and decimate his forces" ([35:38]).

David Attenborough elaborates on their strategic maneuvers:

"When the Nabataeans launched a nighttime attack with 8,000 camel-mounted warriors, they annihilated the Greek forces, leaving only 50 cavalrymen to escape" ([37:32]).

Bettany Hughes continues with Roman interactions:

"The Romans, particularly Augustus, were obsessed with controlling the incense trade. Despite multiple attempts, the Nabataeans maintained their dominance through tactical and commercial ingenuity" ([39:24]).

Societal Structure and Role of Women

The Nabataean society was progressive, especially concerning the status of women:

"Nabataean women had ownership and inheritance rights, built tombs, and priestesses collected tithes and taxes. This elevated their status significantly" ([17:29]).

Hughes compares this to other nomadic societies where women often held central roles:

"Like the Mongols, Nabataean women were integral to the societal structure, managing cities while men led caravans" ([18:52]).

Persistence and Legacy of the Nabataeans

Despite Roman conquest, the Nabataeans preserved their culture and influence:

"Nabataean style villas continued into the Christian period, and their role as merchants persisted under Roman rule. They integrated without losing their identity" ([42:24]).

Hughes underscores their lasting legacy through architectural marvels:

"All the edifices in Petra are primarily tombs, reflecting their deep connection to the cycle of life and afterlife" ([43:34]).

Conclusion

The episode concludes by celebrating the ingenuity and resilience of the Nabataean civilization. Their mastery in trade, engineering, and societal organization not only facilitated the flow of frankincense and myrrh but also left an indelible mark on history.

"Although the Nabataeans are not as widely recognized as other ancient civilizations, their contributions were fundamental in shaping early trade networks and cultural exchanges" ([44:20]).

Bettany Hughes hints at future explorations of these topics:

"I'm flying to Oman to continue researching, and we'll bring more fascinating stories about the Nabataeans next year" ([44:23]).

Notable Quotes:

• "Frankincense is the very posh sense." – William Dalrymple ([13:43])

• "They value liberty with a very nice lifestyle attached." – Bettany Hughes ([19:33])

• "It's like the Fremen from Dune, who know the deserts and can navigate them better than anyone else." – William Dalrymple ([20:11])

• "The cycle of life is much more Bedouin in that they know our matter continues in the sun, the moon, the stars, and the planets." – Bettany Hughes ([43:38])

This episode of Empire not only sheds light on the ancient trade of frankincense and myrrh but also brings to the forefront the remarkable Nabataean civilization that thrived on ingenuity, trade, and cultural resilience.