The Land of Punt was a region in Africa (most likely Somalia) referenced by inscriptions of ancient Egypt initially as a partner in trade and, later, as a semimythical country rich in resources and exotic goods. It is best known from the inscriptions of Queen Hatshepsut (r. 1479-1458 BCE) though trade had been established much earlier.
More about: PuntServer Costs Fundraiser 2024
Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.
$15666 / $18000
Definition
Timeline
-
c. 2613 BCE - 2498 BCETrade already well established between Egypt and The Land of Punt.
-
2498 BCE - 2345 BCETrade between Egypt and Punt prospers.
-
1991 BCE - 1802 BCEThe Egyptian Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor features Punt as a mystical island of "all good things". .
-
1493 BCEHatshepsut's expedition returns with 31 live incense trees; first recorded transplant of foreign fauna.
-
c. 1493 CEPunt becomes land of myth; steadily vanishes from historical inscriptions in Egypt.