This inscription shows that there was a flourishing trade in luxury products in southern Egypt during the 2nd century B.C. The trade began when Ptolemy II opened up the road to the Red Sea coast ( SEG_46.2120 ), and continued into Roman times. It survived through many political changes, including the revolt of Upper Egypt against Ptolemy V in the early 2nd century B.C.; see G.Reger, in "A Companion to the Hellenistic World", page 350 ( Google Books ).
On behalf of king Ptolemaios and queen Kleopatra his wife, the gods Euergetai, and their children; Soterichos of Gortyn, the son of Ikadion, one of the chief bodyguards, who was sent by Paōs the kinsman and strategos of the Thebaid, for the collection of precious stones and to oversee the sailings and to provide security for those who are transporting cargoes of frankincense and other valuable gifts from the mountain at Koptos, dedicated this to Pan Euodos {"of good journeys"} and all the other gods and goddesses; in the 41st year, on the 10th day of Thoth.
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