For thousands of years Egyptians used the "perfume of the gods" for temple rites as well as base perfumes. The first recorded mention is on the 15th century B.C. tomb of Queen Hatshepsut who had sent and expedition to the land of Punt (probably the Somali Coast) to fetch frankincense.

Francinscense symbolized divinity, an offering on par with gold and myrrh, an Arabian incense which was also prized for medicine.

The Gospel of St Matthew records the story of wise men guided by a brilliant star to Bethlehem. They presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ Child. The story gained enormous popularity in the early centuries of the Christian church, and still exerts a powerful influence today.

The later tradition that there were three wise men depends on the fact that they brought three gifts. By about 750, they were known as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Gradually, the wise men evolved into kings, based on a similar story of royal gift-giving in the Old Testament (Psalms 72:10). They were said to come from the kingdoms of Tarshish, Sheba and Seba. Seba was thought to be an ancient name for Ethiopia, and in the 14th century the Ethiopian king began to be portrayed as black.

Myrrh

Three times the price of frankinsence was commanded by myrrh, often known as the balm of Gilead. Demand for frankincense, however, was five time as great. Traditionally myrrh has been used as an annointing oil and a fumigent in cooking and embalming and medicinally.

December 13 2005

"The whole country is scented with them and exhales and odor marvellously sweet."
Herodotus

"all of Arabia exudes a most delicate fragrance; even the seamen passing by Arabia can smell the strong fragrance that gives health and vigor."
Diodorus Siculus

The Perfume of the Gods
Arabian Frankinsence and Myrrh Trail

Trees bearing frankinscence and myrrh

After visiting the old market town of Suakin, which is not far south from Port Sudan, we are crossing the Red Sea and picking up the old frankinscene trail into Makka and will travel north towards Petra and Alexandria where our creative makka lies waiting.

The Road to Alexandria and the Mouseion

A Photographic Impression of the Road

Buy some frankinscense oil for your oil burner, inhale the sweet perfume and allow your spirit to rest for awhile.

Using the imagery provided maintain journal entries that record a journey from Suakin to ancient city of Petra, a journey that includes Makka and the religious scholars' town of Medina.

Take the time to walk the cobblestone streets of Medina, making sure to stop and look at jewels of Turkish architecture.

Note scholars sitting cross legged scrutinizing rare Islamic texts.

Linger at the lively markets filled with precious stones, prayer beads, incense burners, carpets, flat bread and Medina dates.

Browse the perfumeries and soak in the intoxicating 'perfume of the gods'.

Then create!