What evidence confirms that Tamils traded with ancient Greeks and Romans?

Evidence of trade between the Tamil region and the ancient Greco-Roman world is supported by both literary accounts and archaeological discoveries:

• Archaeological Findings: Excavations at Arikamedu have revealed a Roman trading settlement. The presence of Roman pottery, beads, intaglios, lamps, glass, and coins at various sites confirms continuous contact and occupation.1
• Numismatic Evidence: Large hoards of Roman gold coins—primarily from the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero—have been discovered in southern India, suggesting that Romans paid for luxury goods like pepper and precious stones with gold.1
• Literary Sources: The Periplus Maris Erythraei, a 1st-century Greek travelogue, identifies several Tamil ports, including Muziris and Colchi (Korkai). Additionally, classical Tamil cankam literature documents the prosperity of "Yavana" (Greek/Roman) merchants in towns such as Kaveripattinam and mentions Cera chiefs who interacted with these foreign traders.12