Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Silk Road

The Silk Road was a trading route of ancient Chinese civilization connecting Asia with Europe and Egypt. The Silk Road got its name from the Chinese silk trade, a major reason for the connection. However, silk by no means was the only item traded. China traded silk, spices, teas, and porcelain. India traded ivory, textiles, precious stones, and pepper.

Marco Polo became the best recognize Silk Road merchant. He was from Venice and learned the trade from his father and uncle. He died in 1324. Their pioneering journey inspired Colombus and others.

The Silk Road passed through many small desert kingdoms, each with a green oasis as its center. The oasis of Kucha was known for growing many species, such as plums, pears, peaches, and almonds.
Samarkand (Uzbekistan) today is known for its tile covered buildings.
The Gobi Desert (Mongolia) is known for many unusual animals living there.
The Turfan Depression or The Land of Fire (China) is the second-deepest inland depression in the world.
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - originally were used as palace temples and later travelers on religious missions could rest there.

You can travel the Silk Road with: