The Nabatean people were a nomadic people who ran overland trade routes from Saudi-Arabia, Yemen and the far east (India, Thailand and China) during the Roman period.
They developed a system of wells and water cisterns in the desert which allowed them to travel the large distances with relative ease. In Israel the ruins of a number of their outposts can be seen today.
The Nabateans brought spices, incense and other riches from the east and Africa to the ports of the Mediterranean sea and from there exported the riches to the European world.
At some point in time the Nabateans stopped their nomadic life style and settled down. they built a number of cities in Israel which include Ovdat, Nitzana, Shivta and Mamshit. As a result of living in cities, their economy shifted from being based on spice trade to being based on agriculture.
With the rise of Christianity the Nabateans began to convert to christianity and grew grapes and made wine which was marketed to Europe. Over time the port of Gaza fell out of use and the port of Ashkelon rose in power and significance.
One of the many things which were exported from the port of Ashkelon were long thin green onions. In Europe these onions, which arrived from the port of ‘Ascalan’, were and to this day are called scallions.
Next time you go to the supermarket to buy scallions – consider the fact that you get them today due to an ancient port on the cost of the Mediterranean Sea called Ascalan.
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