Gaius Peticius

Gaius Peticus was a member of the wealthy and prominent Roman family that participated in the lucrative long distance trade between India and Egypt.

The Peticii family originated from the famous wine-producing area of Minturnae in Campania. Their business ventures encompassed trade with North Africa, and India via the Red Sea and Eastern Desert of Egypt. Since wine was an important export item to India, Gaius Peticius handled the export of wine across the Eastern Desert using the camels. His name is mentioned on a graffito in a sanctuary of Pan in the Wadi Hammamat. Considering the fact that only the wealthiest individuals had enough funds to participate in this risky and lucrative trade, Gaius Peticius and his family were obviously among the very successful entrepreneurs of their time.