The Silk Roads

The Silk Roads
Author: Geordie Torr
Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
Total Pages: 294
Release: 2021-06-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 1398809764

Take an intrepid journey through the history of the Silk Roads with this brilliant reference book. Traversing snowy mountain passes, vast, forbidding deserts and stormy seas, these ancient trade routes were about much more than the movement of goods, they paved the way for an unprecedented period of cultural exchange, diplomacy and conflict creating a legacy that continues to affect global geopolitics in the 21st century. Forged over millennia through a desire for enterprise, the Silk Roads have had an profound influence on Eurasia and beyond, connecting cultures, languages, customs and religions. And with China now working to reopen this ancient trade network, the time is right to shine a new light on its history and impact. This edition has been updated with an expanded chapter on China's efforts to reopen this ancient trade network through the Belt and Road Initiative and the many impacts it has had along the way, from its ambitious infrastructure projects to new cities emerging along its route to the growth of a digital silk road, Geordie Torr examines the profound impacts of the revival of the world's greatest trading route. With helpful timelines and useful information boxes, The Silk Roads gives you everything you need to master the history of this world-changing region.

The Silk Roads

The Silk Roads
Author: Peter Frankopan
Publisher: Vintage
Total Pages: 688
Release: 2016-02-16
Genre: History
ISBN: 1101946334

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • Far more than a history of the Silk Roads, this book is truly a revelatory new history of the world, promising to destabilize notions of where we come from and where we are headed next. "A rare book that makes you question your assumptions about the world.” —The Wall Street Journal From the Middle East and its political instability to China and its economic rise, the vast region stretching eastward from the Balkans across the steppe and South Asia has been thrust into the global spotlight in recent years. Frankopan teaches us that to understand what is at stake for the cities and nations built on these intricate trade routes, we must first understand their astounding pasts. Frankopan realigns our understanding of the world, pointing us eastward. It was on the Silk Roads that East and West first encountered each other through trade and conquest, leading to the spread of ideas, cultures and religions. From the rise and fall of empires to the spread of Buddhism and the advent of Christianity and Islam, right up to the great wars of the twentieth century—this book shows how the fate of the West has always been inextricably linked to the East. Also available: The New Silk Roads, a timely exploration of the dramatic and profound changes our world is undergoing right now—as seen from the perspective of the rising powers of the East.

Fruit from the Sands

Fruit from the Sands
Author: Robert N. Spengler
Publisher: University of California Press
Total Pages: 390
Release: 2020-09-22
Genre: History
ISBN: 0520379268

"A comprehensive and entertaining historical and botanical review, providing an enjoyable and cognitive read.”—Nature The foods we eat have a deep and often surprising past. From almonds and apples to tea and rice, many foods that we consume today have histories that can be traced out of prehistoric Central Asia along the tracks of the Silk Road to kitchens in Europe, America, China, and elsewhere in East Asia. The exchange of goods, ideas, cultural practices, and genes along these ancient routes extends back five thousand years, and organized trade along the Silk Road dates to at least Han Dynasty China in the second century BC. Balancing a broad array of archaeological, botanical, and historical evidence, Fruit from the Sands presents the fascinating story of the origins and spread of agriculture across Inner Asia and into Europe and East Asia. Through the preserved remains of plants found in archaeological sites, Robert N. Spengler III identifies the regions where our most familiar crops were domesticated and follows their routes as people carried them around the world. With vivid examples, Fruit from the Sands explores how the foods we eat have shaped the course of human history and transformed cuisines all over the globe.

Empires of the Silk Road

Empires of the Silk Road
Author: Christopher I. Beckwith
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 506
Release: 2009-03-16
Genre: History
ISBN: 1400829941

An epic account of the rise and fall of the Silk Road empires The first complete history of Central Eurasia from ancient times to the present day, Empires of the Silk Road represents a fundamental rethinking of the origins, history, and significance of this major world region. Christopher Beckwith describes the rise and fall of the great Central Eurasian empires, including those of the Scythians, Attila the Hun, the Turks and Tibetans, and Genghis Khan and the Mongols. In addition, he explains why the heartland of Central Eurasia led the world economically, scientifically, and artistically for many centuries despite invasions by Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Chinese, and others. In retelling the story of the Old World from the perspective of Central Eurasia, Beckwith provides a new understanding of the internal and external dynamics of the Central Eurasian states and shows how their people repeatedly revolutionized Eurasian civilization. Beckwith recounts the Indo-Europeans' migration out of Central Eurasia, their mixture with local peoples, and the resulting development of the Graeco-Roman, Persian, Indian, and Chinese civilizations; he details the basis for the thriving economy of premodern Central Eurasia, the economy's disintegration following the region's partition by the Chinese and Russians in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the damaging of Central Eurasian culture by Modernism; and he discusses the significance for world history of the partial reemergence of Central Eurasian nations after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Empires of the Silk Road places Central Eurasia within a world historical framework and demonstrates why the region is central to understanding the history of civilization.

The Silk Road in World History

The Silk Road in World History
Author: Xinru Liu
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 169
Release: 2010
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0195338103

The ancient trade routes that made up the Silk Road were some of the great conduits of cultural and material exchange in world history. In this intriguing book, Xinru Liu reveals both why and how this long-distance trade in luxury goods emerged in the late third century BCE, following its story through to the Mongol conquest. Liu starts with China's desperate need for what the Chinese called "the heavenly horses" of Central Asia, and describes how the traders who brought these horses also brought other exotic products, some all the way from the Mediterranean. Likewise, the Roman Empire, as a result of its imperial ambition as well as the desire of its citizens for Chinese silk, responded with easterly explorations for trade. The book shows how the middle men, the Kushan Empire, spread Buddhism to China. Missionaries and pilgrims facilitated cave temples along the mountainous routes and monasteries in various oases and urban centers, forming the backbone of the Silk Road. The author also explains how Islamic and Mongol conquerors in turn controlled the various routes until the rise of sea travel diminished their importance.

Silk Road Chronicles

Silk Road Chronicles
Author: A.J. Kingston
Publisher: A.J. Kingston
Total Pages: 261
Release: 101-01-01
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 1839384581

Uncover the Rich Tapestry of the Silk Road's Past and Present Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through time and across continents? Dive into the captivating world of the Silk Road with our exclusive book bundle, the "SILK ROAD CHRONICLES." This meticulously curated collection delves deep into the heart of one of history's most iconic and influential trade networks. BOOK 1 - SILK ROADS OF ANTIQUITY: Trade and Cultural Exchange in the Ancient World Step back in time to explore the origins and early routes of the Silk Road. Discover how ancient civilizations engaged in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures that shaped the world we know today. Unearth the secrets of the fabled Silk Road caravans, the timeless allure of silk, and the crossroads where art, religion, and ideas converged. BOOK 2 - SILK ROAD EMPIRES: The Medieval Era of Silk and Spice Travel through the medieval era of the Silk Road, a time when empires rose and fell, and the scent of spices filled the air. Journey alongside merchants and explorers as they navigate the treacherous routes, uncovering the riches of distant lands. Immerse yourself in the stories of thriving Central Asian trading capitals and the crossroads of faith where religions mingled and transformed. BOOK 3 - SILK ROAD REVIVAL: From Marco Polo to the Age of Exploration Experience the Renaissance of the Silk Road as adventurers like Marco Polo embark on epic journeys. Discover the tales of exploration, diplomacy, and innovation that reshaped the world. From Venice to Xi'an, follow in the footsteps of those who bridged East and West, creating a legacy that still resonates today. BOOK 4 - MODERN SILK ROAD: Globalization and the 21st Century Belt and Road Initiative Fast forward to the 21st century and witness the revival of the Silk Road on a global scale. Delve into the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, where nations are connected by vast infrastructure projects and economic cooperation. Explore the digital Silk Road, environmental sustainability, and the challenges and controversies surrounding this modern marvel. Why Choose the SILK ROAD CHRONICLES? · Comprehensive Exploration: This bundle offers a comprehensive exploration of the Silk Road's history, culture, and its enduring impact on the modern world. · Expertly Curated: Each book is authored by experts in their respective fields, ensuring accuracy and depth of knowledge. · Rich Visuals: Immerse yourself in the Silk Road's beauty with stunning visuals, maps, and illustrations that bring history to life. · Timeless Relevance: The Silk Road's legacy continues to shape global trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, making this bundle a valuable resource for understanding our interconnected world. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about the world's most famous trade network, the SILK ROAD CHRONICLES will take you on an unforgettable voyage through time and across continents. Grab this exclusive bundle today and embark on an adventure that will forever change the way you see the world. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of history – order now!

The Silk Roads

The Silk Roads
Author: Xinru Liu
Publisher: Macmillan Higher Education
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2012-03-21
Genre: History
ISBN: 1319241638

For more than 1500 years, across more than 4000 miles, the Silk Roads connected East and West. These overland trails and sea lanes carried not only silks, but also cotton textiles, dyes, horses, incense, spices, gems, glass, and ceramics along with religious ideas, governing customs, and technology. For this book, Xinru Liu has assembled primary sources from ancient China, India, Central Asia, Rome and the Mediterranean, and the Islamic world, many of them difficult to access and some translated into English for the first time. Court histories, geographies and philosophical treatises, letters, travelers’ accounts, inventories, inscriptions, laws, religious texts, and more, introduce students to the complexities of cultural exchange. Liu’s thoughtful introduction considers the many ways the peoples along the Silk Roads interacted and helps students understand the implications for economies and societies, as well as political and religious institutions, over space and time. Maps, document headnotes and annotations, a chronology, questions for consideration, and a selected bibliography offer additional pedagogical support.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road
Author: Jonathan Tucker
Publisher: Philip Wilson Publishers, Limited
Total Pages: 426
Release: 2003
Genre: Art
ISBN:

Celebrating the cultural heritage of the countries along the Silk Route, this text explores the ancient trade route between Europe and the Far East, more specifically between Rome and the old Chinese capital of Xian. It examines the beautiful works of art discovered in each country, and sets them in their historical and geographical context. The author provides a comprehensive history of the Silk Road, drawing freely on anecdotes and literary and historical sources he examines the lives of the merchants and other travellers who used this route. Vignettes and poems from the heydey of the great trading route punctuate a lively and colourful text, which also features Antonia Tozer's evocative photographs.

The Silk Road and Cultural Exchanges between East and West

The Silk Road and Cultural Exchanges between East and West
Author: Xinjiang Rong
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 720
Release: 2022-10-31
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9004512594

The Silk Road and Cultural Exchanges Between East and West, originally written in Chinese by Rong Xinjiang and now translated into English, provides insights into previously unresolved issues concerning the interactions among the societies, economies, religions and cultures of the “Western Regions”, and beyond, during the first millennium.