The Cheras had trading links with China, West Asia, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire.[65] In foreign-trade circles the region was known as Male or Malabar.[66] Muziris, Tyndis, Naura, Nelcynda, and Barace, were among the principal ports at that time.[67] Contemporary Sangam literature describes Roman ships coming to Muziris in Kerala, laden with gold to exchange for Malabar pepper.