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Roman coins and exports in Sri Lanka Source:Sundayobserver Roman coins have been discovered at various archaeological sites in Sri Lanka, indicating trade connections between the Roman Empire and the island. The most significant findings include coins dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. The discovery of Roman coins is significant as it suggests that Sri Lanka was part of a broader trade network that extended across the Indian Ocean. The island’s valuable commodities, such as spices and gemstones, attracted traders from distant lands. It is likely that Roman merchants used these coins for trade, indicating interactions between the Roman world and South Asia. During ancient times, Roman merchant ships utilised the monsoon winds to travel to South India and engage in trade with the Tamil kingdoms of the Pandyas, Cholas, and Cheras. The Romans would carry goods such as wine, gold glassware, and silver, and purchase pepper, pearls, ivory, ...