History–6th Standard Greeks and Romans

Sangam literature refers Greeks and Romans as Yavanas

Greek & Roman writers referring to trade with South India in 100-200 AD:

• Pliny
• Ptolemy
• Plutarch
• Author of Periplus

Archeological Sources:

Arikamedu (near Pondicherry) excavations – Greek and Roman trade evidence

• Greeks refer Arikamedu as PODUKE
• Roman factory at Arikamedu – Coins, Porcelain jugs, tubs for dying clothes
• Roman coins and Pottery 

Other excavations: Puhar, Kanchipuram, Alangankulam, Madurai, Kodumanal – Greek & Roman coins found.

Coins: Tell about emperors Agastus, Ceaser, Tiberius, Nero –> 100-200 AD

Greeks: 300 BC

Adopted tamil name Arisi for Rice (Oriza)

Paid much attention to west coast

Seaport – MUSIRI was important trading center

Link between tamil country and west via Egypt

 

Romans:

Pandya kingdom was the first to benefit

Employed tamil merchants to sell/buy in local market

After 200 AD –> decline in trade due to fall of sangam age and confusion in Roman empire

Seaports:

East Coast: Mamallapuram, Poduke, Puhar, Poraiyaru, Kumari and Korkai (pearls found here)

West Coast: Musiri, Tondi (warehouse for storing goods along coast)

Chief ports had light house called Kalangarai Ilangu Sudar

Boat repair facilities also were available

People from other countries lived here paving way for cosmopolitan civic system.

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