Muziris was the ancient Indian port city that became a major center of trade with the Roman Empire. Located on the Malabar Coast of present-day Kerala, it connected the Indian Ocean trade network with merchants sailing from the Red Sea and Mediterranean world.
Muziris was especially important for the export of black pepper, which was highly prized in Roman markets. Other goods moving through the port included pearls, ivory, gemstones, textiles, and spices. Roman merchants brought gold coins, wine, glassware, and other manufactured products in return.
Classical sources such as the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea and Pliny the Elder describe a busy port on India's southwest coast involved in long-distance commerce. Archaeological discoveries at Pattanam, often associated with ancient Muziris, include Roman coins, Mediterranean pottery, and evidence of maritime exchange.
Muziris is sometimes confused with Poompuhar, also known as Kaveripattinam, an important port on India's east coast. Both participated in wider Indian Ocean commerce, but Muziris is the standard answer for the famous Roman pepper trade on the Malabar Coast.