The British Museum’s Silk Roads exhibition sheds light on the interconnectedness of Asia, Europe, and north Africa over a millennium ago. Through epic trade routes known as the Silk Roads, the exhibition showcases how cultures were shared and exchanged between regions. The exhibition turns this history into a fairytale of magic and beauty, highlighting the journey of merchants to exotic oases, desert palaces, and religious sites along the trade routes.
From a ceramic camel carrying bolts of silk to ancient Buddhist art treasures discovered in hidden caves, the exhibition showcases the richness and diversity of the Silk Roads. The art and artifacts on display demonstrate how religions, artistic styles, and ideas were exchanged and evolved along these ancient trade routes.
The exhibition covers the period between AD500 to AD1000, challenging the notion of the “dark ages” and highlighting the emergence of new religions and artistic ideas during this time. Artifacts from diverse regions like Bamiyan, Córdoba, Fustat, and Samarkand are on display, showcasing the mixing of cultures and artistic styles along the Silk Roads.
The most striking part of the exhibition features forgotten civilizations like the Sogdians, whose treasures from Samarkand are dazzling and eye-catching. The exhibition also highlights the significance of nomadic tribes in facilitating trade and exchange along the Silk Roads, as well as the global connections of even remote regions like Sweden and Sutton Hoo.
Ultimately, the Silk Roads exhibition challenges traditional narratives of isolation and borders, showcasing the global connections and exchanges that were happening across continents over a thousand years ago.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
