Ancient links between India and Ethiopia have existed even before history was recorded during the Auximite period (2nd to 9th Century A.D.) According to historian Richard Pankhurst, "contacts between the land which came to be known as Ethiopia and India date back to the dawn of history." Trade between India and the Axumite Kingdom flourished in the 6th century A.D. The ancient port of Adulis served as an entry-pot and the hub of maritime trade where Indian traders flocked to trade in spices and silk for ivory and gold.