Frankincense and myrrh were in high demand from Europe to Asia.
Photo credit:Chris Price/Flickr
Besides its aromatic properties, frankincense has many practical uses.
The smoke from burning frankincense drives away mosquitoes and other flying insects.
The perfume trade slowly died out and many cities along the trade routes were gradually deserted.
Population of the frankincense tree itself has been slowly declining, partly due to over-exploitation.
In addition, burning, grazing, and attacks by the longhorn beetle have reduced the tree population.
One of the original sites where this tree grew, and still grows, is Wadi Dawkah in Oman.
The sap from the trees is still harvested here by the local tribes.
Photo credit:snotch/Wikimedia
Photo credit:Adriaan Bloem/Flickr
Sources:UNESCO/Go UNESCO/Wikipedia/Live Science/www.wysinfo.com
