Grape and wheat seeds were found in Sri Lanka
Ceylon – a large island located near India – belongs to Sri Lanka. Interestingly, in 2018 researchers found wheat grains (dated to the II-II century CE) and grape seeds (VII-VIII CE) in Mantai (northern Sri Lanka). Neither grapes nor grain can grow in such a climate.
Scientists clearly suggest that the findings prove that the region was intensively trading with distant countries in ancient times. Products came from Arabia or straight from the Roman Empire. It is possible that Roman merchants personally came to the port of Mantai.
- Ancient grape seeds may link Sri Lankan trading port to Roman world, "Science Mag", 12.12.2020
- Ancient seeds trace wine grape variety back 900 years to one ancestral plant, "Earth.com", 19.01.2020
- Photo: iStock.com/RinoCdZ

