Synopsis
"Byzantine Silk on the Silk Roads: Journeys between East and West" is a book written by Chris Entwistle and Annika Härenstam. The book explores the journey of Byzantine silk, one of the most sought-after commodities in the ancient world, along the famous Silk Road, which connected the East and West for centuries.
The book starts by introducing the history of Byzantine silk and its role in the medieval economy, highlighting the skill of Byzantine silk weavers and the importance of silk production to the Byzantine Empire. The authors then go on to trace the journey of Byzantine silk from Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, to different parts of Asia, such as China, Central Asia, and Persia.
Throughout the book, the authors delve into the cultural, social, and economic aspects of the Silk Road, exploring how silk became a symbol of luxury, power, and diplomacy, and how it influenced art, fashion, and technology. They also highlight the role of Byzantine merchants in the silk trade and the complex network of relationships that existed between Byzantine and Asian societies.
In addition to the main text, the book includes numerous illustrations, maps, and photographs, providing readers with a visual journey along the Silk Road. The authors also provide a glossary of terms, a bibliography, and a list of further reading, making the book an accessible and informative guide for anyone interested in the history of the Silk Road and the trade of Byzantine silk.