Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) and Boswellia serrata (frankincense) trees in modern-day Oman and Yemen produce the highly prized incense carried by camel caravans for millennia. This precious cargo has been prized all over the world and was often worth its weight in gold. From the source, some incense would be loaded onto ships at the nearest coast, but much of it would be carried west and then north by caravans up the mountain trails to Najran and Bir Hima (southern Saudi Arabia). From this location, not far from the present-day border with Yemen, the trail would divide east and west. The eastern route would continue through Wadi AdDawasir, AlKharj and Riyadh (modern capital of Saudi) to AlAhsa and the east coast ports at Uqair & Jubail. Some would follow the oases north to Basrah (Iraq) and beyond.

Meanwhile, the western branch would continue a northward trail, through mountainous terrain to Medina, then Hegra (Al Ula) and on to Petra. From Petra the trail would branch off to Mediterranean ports at Alexandria, Egypt, Joppa, Israel or continue northward to Damascus. Ships would then carry the precious cargo to other Mediterranean ports or on into Europe.

The Ancient Incense Route: Secrets of Arabia's Rich Trade Network: https://youtu.be/13v3MGCeMY8?si=CaisEvEm-wfcS0rr