Mediums of Exchange Along the Silk Road in Ancient and Modern Times |
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"Chinese merchants never reached Rome, and Romans were never seen in Chang'an. No animal or cart would last over such a long passage. Thus, silk had to change hands many times before reaching Rome. On eventually reaching Rome, it was said that the silk's price equaled its weight in gold. Silk became such a great hit in Rome that finally, this 'decadent material which ... puts a heavy burden on the economy,' was banned by the Roman Emperor. In an effort to bypass expensive middlemen, new routes were constantly beign sought. Eventually, the safety of the sea route caused the Silk Road to be completely abandoned." |
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This site was created byAndrea Touhey at the NEH Summer Institute "Cultures and Religions of the Himalayan Region," held at the College of the Holy Cross, Summer 2004. |
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