Episode 1
Sam Willis traces the story of the famous trade route. He explores Venice's Renaissance architecture and art before travelling to the beginning of the Silk Road in China's Xian.
In the first episode of his series tracing the story of the most famous trade route in history, Dr Sam Willis starts in Venice and explores how its Renaissance architecture and art has been shaped by the east and by thousands of exchanges along the Silk Road.
From Venice Sam travels to China's ancient capital, Xian. Here, Sam's story takes him back in time to reveal the tale of an emperor who was so desperate for horses to help protect his borders that he struck one of the most significant trade deals in human history - he wanted war horses, he gave the most precious material in the world, silk. From this single deal, a network of trading paths were carved out across thousands of miles by merchants, traders, envoys, pilgrims and travellers. It is known to us today as the Silk Road.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Next
Clip
-
![]()
Sam visits a museum dedicated to one enigmatic invention
Duration: 01:36
Music Played
-
![]()
Nils Frahm
Circling
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Sam Willis |
| Series Producer | Richard Downes |
| Director | Tim Niel |
| Assistant Producer | Jon Morrice |
| Executive Producer | Mike Smith |
Broadcasts
- Sun 1 May 2016 21:00
- Mon 2 May 2016 03:00
- Wed 4 May 2016 20:00
- Sat 1 Apr 2017 19:00
- Fri 7 Apr 2017 00:00
- Sat 17 Mar 2018 20:00
- Sun 18 Mar 2018 02:15
- Tue 23 Oct 2018 22:30
- Wed 10 Jul 2019 01:00
Sat 4 Jan 2020 09:10麻豆社 News except UK & UK HD- Sat 4 Jan 2020 20:10麻豆社 News except UK & UK HD
- Sun 5 Jan 2020 02:10麻豆社 News except Africa, UK & UK HD
- Sun 5 Jan 2020 15:10麻豆社 News except Africa, UK & UK HD
- Fri 14 Feb 2020 01:00
- Sat 20 Aug 2022 23:30
Handmade on the Silk Road
Follow a day in the life of a weaver, woodcarver and potter in China, Uzbekistan and Iran