Glenda and Torb's world wandering

What Do We Know about the Silk Road?

It is not a single road but a network of routes that originated in 200BCE and connected the east and the west. It is known as the ‘Silk’ Road because it saw the transportation of silk from the East. It is about 6,500 kilometres in length and spans 40 countries. It is considered to have started in Xian, China and ended in Turkey, Italy or Egypt, depending on the specific route. Many other goods were carried, including gold, spices, tea, horses, and furs. And also, ideas, for instance, Buddhism. It is also considered responsible for the spread of the bubonic plague in the 14th century, with infected fleas and rodents travelling in merchant caravans. It is unlikely that people travelled the full distance but carried goods to waypoints and handed them over to others to take them the next step of the journey.

   Historically, the Silk Road was known for highway robbery and banditry, and in recent times it was considered to be the first black market, dealing in illicit goods, drugs and forged documents.

   The most stable period for this route was in the 13^th and 14^th centuries under the rule of Genghis Khan and his successors. His control of the Eurasian landmass enabled unprecedented safety and signalled an early move towards globalisation. This period was known as the Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace), and the Khans imposed strict controls to reduce banditry and lowered taxes, thereby encouraging trade. They also instituted a highly efficient postal and relay system, enabling merchants, messengers, and diplomats to travel safely and rapidly.

   So, in September Torb and I will find out more by travelling from Xian to Tashkent on two luxury trains- the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and the Golden Eagle. Stay posted!