Final answer:
Ancient Egypt traded through the Red Sea with regions that are now Eritrea, Yemen, and Sudan, establishing strong commercial and cultural ties, especially with the Aksumite Kingdom in what is today Ethiopia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Egyptians traded through the Red Sea with what is modern-day Eritrea, Yemen, and Sudan. By engaging in commerce with these regions, ancient Egypt secured precious materials such as ivory, ebony, gold, incense, and various other luxury goods. Significant trade occurred particularly between Egypt and the Kingdom of Aksum (in today's Ethiopia), which boasted strong connections across the Red Sea. The trade facilitated by the Red Sea was crucial for the prosperity of both regions and led to a rich cultural exchange.
During the fourth century CE, the Kingdom of Aksum, which had strong trade links with Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, grew in power partly due to this trade. From the port city of Adulis in Eritrea, goods would be taken to Aksum, the kingdom's capital. The trade routes also allowed the diffusion of religions, such as the conversion of King Ezna to Christianity through Frumentius, a Syrian missionary. This played a foundational role in establishing an Egyptian Coptic form of Christianity in the region.
Despite ancient Egyptians regarding themselves as superior to other cultures, they actively participated in trade with neighboring civilizations. The strategic location of Egypt allowed it to be a hub for intercontinental trade flows, linking Africa with the Middle East and even reaching as far as Greece.