The Silk Road - Where East and West First Met

The Silk Road - Where East and West First Met

From The Thinking Traveller by Academy Travel

November 15, 2025 · 29 min

About this episode

This episode explores the historical significance of the Silk Road as a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange between the East and West.

Linking the Far East with the Mediterranean world, the Silk Road became history’s most influential crossroads, shaping civilisations through trade, diplomacy and cultural encounter. From the imperial courts of China to the bustling markets of Rome, artistic, religious and cultural currents travelled these pathways – silk and spices, of course, but also ideas, technologies and beliefs. In this episode, we are joined by accomplished author, lecturer and cultural specialist Chris Aslan. Drawing ...

People in this episode

Guest: Chris Aslan

Topics covered

  • Silk Road
  • cultural exchange
  • trade
  • history
  • civilizations
  • art
  • diplomacy

Keywords

  • Silk Road
  • trade
  • cultural encounter
  • China
  • Rome
  • civilizations
  • artistic currents
  • diplomacy
  • ideas
  • technologies

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Silk Road, Far East, Mediterranean, China, Rome

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