THE SHIPS THAT CAME FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

Studies conducted by the Archaeology Department suggest that around 960 BCE, a fleet was sent to Kollam by King Solomon, the Biblical ruler of Israel and Judah, to procure teak and ivory for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Though archaeological evidence remains scarce, historical accounts point to Kollam’s prominence as an ancient seaport engaged in global trade. The presence of legendary travellers like Fa-Hein (3rd century), Hsuan Tsang (7th century), the Arab traveller Suleiman (9th century), geographer Al Kazwini (13th century), Marco Polo (13th century), and Ibn Battuta (14th century) further reinforces the city’s historical status as a thriving centre of commerce, particularly in the spice trade.