Tokyo, Oct.5 : Japan’s oldest safflower pollen, dating from around the mid-third century, has been discovered in large quantities at the ancient ruins of Makimuku in Sakurai, in the country’s Nara Prefecture.

According to the Board of Education in Nara Yamatai-Koku Queen Himiko gave red and blue fabric made of safflower pollen to the Wei dynasty, now China, in the year 243.

Used in red dyes, safflowers are believed to have come to Japan from China. The pollen found is believed to be from three centuries earlier than the material previously thought to be the oldest in the nation,” the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

The finding suggests that a kingdom in the area might have engaged in trade and diplomatic activities with the continent.

The ruins are said to have been part of the kingdom of Yamatai-Koku, the location of which has long been debated by experts. (With inputs from ANI)