Silk Road: The Complete History of the Ancient Trade Route That Connected East and West (A Historical Adventure for Kids Exploring Ancient Trade Routes, Cultures, and Civilizations) #1012553

In many ways the silk road can be seen everywhere, and it has existed for as long as people have traveled across eurasia. Its impact is widely felt among the diverse peoples that live on the continent, through the unique regional art and architectural styles, as well as in countless films, books, academic studies, and organized tours devoted to the ancient trade routes.

At the same time, however, the silk road is an entirely abstract invention, first coined by the 19th century german geographer ferdinand von richthofen. There has never existed a single route – let alone a road – that was used to transfer goods, nor was silk the primary commodity traded across eurasia.

More than a history of commerce, this is the story of the people who built the first interconnected world. Merchants, pilgrims, explorers, diplomats, scholars, and artisans forged relationships that transcended languages, religions, and empires, proving that exchange could influence history as profoundly as conquest.