The Royal Roots of Ceylon Cinnamon: A 4,000-Year Legacy

True cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum/Cinnamomum verum), also known as "Ceylon Cinnamon," is far more than a fragrant spice—it's a symbol of royal heritage, sacred ritual, colonial conquest, and enduring Sri Lankan identity. With a legacy that stretches over 4,000 years, this golden bark has influenced kings and empires, shaped global trade routes, and continues to play a vital role in wellness and culture.

Ancient Prestige: A Gift for Gods and Kings

Indigenous to the lush forests of Sri Lanka—formerly known as Ceylon—Ceylon cinnamon was once reserved for the elite. As early as 2000 BCE, Egyptian pharaohs valued this spice for its preservative and aromatic properties. It was used in embalming rituals, sacred temple offerings, and anointing oils. The Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 BCE), one of the oldest medical documents, lists cinnamon as a remedy, proving its medicinal and ceremonial importance.

In the Roman Empire, cinnamon’s value soared. The emperor Nero famously burned a year’s supply at the funeral of his wife Poppaea—an extravagant act that immortalized cinnamon as a luxury beyond silver and gold. At its peak, cinnamon traded for 15 times the price of silver in Roman markets.

A Spice Cloaked in Myth and Mystery

For centuries, Arab traders maintained a monopoly over the cinnamon trade by hiding its true origin—Sri Lanka. They spun elaborate myths to protect their routes and profits. The most famous tale, recorded by the Greek historian Herodotus, claimed that cinnamon was found in the nests of giant birds on cliff faces. Traders, according to legend, used ox carcasses as bait to lure the birds away and harvest the precious bark.

This deception continued for centuries until explorers like Marco Polo in the 13th century began uncovering the spice's true source: the fertile, tropical forests of southwestern Sri Lanka.

Colonial Conquests: Blood and Spice

The allure of Ceylon cinnamon drew colonial powers into fierce and often brutal competition:

Portuguese Era (1505–1658)

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to colonize Ceylon. They enslaved local communities and forced them into cinnamon harvesting. Resistance was met with violence. To secure the spice trade, they constructed fortified structures like the Colombo Fort and exported vast quantities to Europe at great profit.

Dutch Rule (1658–1796)

The Dutch East India Company (VOC) seized control next, imposing harsh cinnamon quotas on villages. To manipulate global prices, they publicly burned large stockpiles of cinnamon in Amsterdam. This era saw the beginning of organized commercial exploitation of the spice.

British Dominion (1796–1948)

The British industrialized cinnamon cultivation, transitioning from wild harvesting to large-scale plantations. Infrastructure such as roads and ports were developed to support exports, embedding cinnamon deeply into the colonial economy. It soon became a staple in British cuisine, medicine, and cosmetics.

Local Royalty and Cinnamon Tributes

Before colonization, Ceylon’s native kings recognized the value of cinnamon and closely guarded its forests. They used it as tribute and diplomatic gifts to foreign powers. Cinnamon was not just a commodity—it was a diplomatic tool, a religious symbol, and a royal emblem of Ceylonese sovereignty.

The Living Legacy of Ceylon Cinnamon

Today, Sri Lanka remains the world’s leading producer of "true cinnamon," supplying over 90% of global demand. Its delicate flavor, sweet aroma, and therapeutic properties make it highly prized in culinary, cosmetic, and holistic wellness industries.

More than just a spice, Ceylon cinnamon represents a rich heritage. Its cultivation is often organic and sustainable, supporting rural livelihoods while preserving ancient artisanal methods. Passed down through generations, these skills are visible in temple rituals, traditional medicine, and modern wellness practices.

A Fragrant Heritage

From sacred embalming oils in Egyptian tombs to royal courts in Europe, from myths of giant birds to blood-stained colonial conquests—Ceylon cinnamon’s story is one of mystery, resilience, and enduring value. Its golden bark carries not only a scent, but a spirit: a fragrant emblem of Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and contribution to the world.

Ceylon cinnamon is not just “true” in name—it is truly a legacy.