Born 1936

In ancient times the southern rim of the Arabian peninsula was a major trade center. Ships brought spices and fabric from India, silk from China, and gold from Ethiopia. These treasures were then transported by camel caravan to places like Egypt, Persia, Syria, and even Rome. Two locally grown products were also among the prized far-ranging cargo: frankincense and myrrh. Myrrh, a clear gummy sap produced by the myrrha tree, was an ingredient used in cosmetics and perfumes. The fragrant sap of the scrubby frankincense tree was required by the Egyptians for embalming. It was also used nearly everywhere in religious ceremonies and cremations as an incense, to mask the smell of burning flesh. In the ancient world, these products were as valuable as gold. In fact, the Bible says that when the three Wise Men visited the baby Jesus, the gifts they carried were...