Sphinx and Muziris
- A gemstone with a she-Sphinx and among other finds in Kerala provides linkage to ancient trade between India and the Roman Empire, through the port of Muzris.
- A sphinx is a mythical creature with the head of a human, a falcon, a cat, or a sheep and the body of a lion with the wings of an eagle.
- Muziris was a port city located on the banks of Periyar River between the 1st century BC and 4th century AD.
- It facilitated trade between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean region.
- Muziris was known as Emporia of the East and flourished after the Romans conquered Egypt.
- Commodities exported from Muziris included spices, semi-precious stones etc.
- The decline of the Roman Empire and a flood in the Periyar River in 1341 which silted the Muziris harbour are considered to be the reasons for the decline of Muziris port.
