Silk

The Silk Road: Focus China/East Asia

Introduction

      The Silk Road is an extensive network of trade routes connecting South, East, and West Asia with the Mediterranean world, along with North and Northeast Africa and Europe.   The intricate 4,000 mile long trade route, spanning sixteen countries, was started in the second century BC.   The travels of Zhang Qian, under Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasy, headed west to recruit the Yuezhi.   Though, centuries-deep sand covers most of the ancient tracks of the Silk Road, and the ancient world is gone, but its historical importance is increasingly recognized.   Many sites are still preserved and distinguishable to this day.   Many sites are also preserved for cultural and historical tradition and integrity.   Many efforts, today, are being made to preserve and revive many parts of the ancient Silk Road.

Silk Road Today

      Today, the Silk Road would not be distinguishable as it was once known centuries ago.   There are still many distinguishable monuments along the Silk Road.   The fabled mosques and madrasas of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, with their marvelous design and colorful tile work, are just some of the sites in Uzbekistan linked to The Silk Road.   Buried beneath the centuries-deep sand and erosion lie ancient tracks of the Silk Road.   If uncovered you would be able to see caravans of up to 6,000 camels moving slowly, day by day, across the vast distances separating China and Europe.   Today, the ancient world of the Silk Road is undistinguishable, but the importance and history of the Silk Road is increasingly recognized.     The Silk Road flourished until about the 15th century when most scholars agree that the Silk Road suddenly came to an end.   Most scholars will also agree that there is no distinct and exact reason why The Silk Road ceased to exist after this time period.   The factor wouldn’t be considered large if something of high magnitude did not happen because of it, making such theories easier... [continues]

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