PERIPLUS Meaning and
Definition
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Periplus refers to a type of ancient navigational guide or maritime manual that was utilized by sailors and traders in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean regions. The term is derived from the Greek words "peri," meaning around or about, and "pleo," meaning sail or navigate.
A periplus usually consisted of written descriptions of various coastal areas, ports, and trade routes, providing valuable information for sailors to safely navigate and effectively conduct commercial exchanges with different regions. These manuscripts were essential for ensuring successful voyages, promoting trade, and establishing connections between civilizations.
The content of a periplus typically encompassed geographical details of different ports, including their distances from one another, prominent landmarks along the coastline, the nature of the sea currents, and suggestions for safe anchorage. It might also include valuable insights into local cultures, commodities available at different ports, and potential hazards or dangers to be cautious of.
Periplus manuscripts were created by experienced sailors or merchants who had extensive knowledge of the sea routes, often as a result of firsthand experiences gained during multiple voyages. These texts not only served as navigational guides but also fostered the exchange of information, ideas, and goods among various coastal communities. They played a significant role in facilitating trade networks, cultural interactions, and the growth of civilizations during ancient times.
Common Misspellings for PERIPLUS
Etymology of PERIPLUS
The word "Periplus" comes from Ancient Greek, specifically from the combination of two Greek words: "peri", which means "around", and "pleo", which means "to sail". The word refers to a type of navigational document or guidebook used by ancient sailors to navigate coastlines and trade routes. The term "Periplus" was commonly used in ancient Greek and Roman cultures to describe these sailing manuals, providing detailed descriptions of ports, distances between them, and hazards along the way. The term has been adopted into English to describe similar types of accounts or guides in various contexts.
