"Barbarians" and Blemmyes: Who Was in Control of the Red Sea Port of Berenike in the Late Antique Period?

In the early centuries ce, Roman state attempted to monitor, tax, and protect traders travelers crossing Eastern Desert (against potentially dangerous barbaroi). These were operating from sites like Berenike Myos Hormos, key ports for Red Sea branch of Indian Ocean trade. Conversely, during course third century, this situation changed. The praesidia (small forts) lining these routes abandoned, Hormos ceased operate, activity at reached a low ebb. late antique period there was revival activity, with more northerly Clysma Aila coming into prominence. also saw revival, but who controlled site remains less clear. Three possible scenarios are examined in article. first is that (in)directly charge, perhaps through Christianized Saracen foederati. second (a certain faction of) Blemmyes employed as largely permitted operate port under their sufferance. It argued here latter two possibilities now most likely light recent archaeological epigraphic discoveries.