Description
The Silk Road was a major trade route connecting Rome and China, carrying valuable goods and new ideas. However, it eventually declined and was forgotten for a thousand years. Legends of lost cities with treasures and demons emerged, and in the early 20th century, foreign explorers began searching for these treasures. This led to an international race for the art treasures of the Silk Road, with huge amounts of artifacts being taken and scattered across multiple countries. Peter Hopkirk's book tells the story of the brave men who risked their lives to lead these archaeological raids, facing the anger of the Chinese. The book has been praised for its skillful storytelling and providing insight into a fascinating world.
The Silk Road, which linked imperial Rome and distant China, was once the greatest thoroughfare on earth. Along it travelled precious cargoes of silk, gold and ivory, as well as revolutionary new ideas. Its oasis towns blossomed into thriving centres of Buddhist art and learning. In time it began to decline. The traffic slowed, the merchants left and finally its towns vanished beneath the desert sands to be forgotten for a thousand years. But legends grew up of lost cities filled with treasures and guarded by demons. In the early years of the last century foreign explorers began to investigate these legends, and very soon an international race began for the art treasures of the Silk Road. Huge wall paintings, sculptures and priceless manuscripts were carried away, literally by the ton, and are today scattered through the museums of a dozen countries. Peter Hopkirk tells the story of the intrepid men who, at great personal risk, led these long-range archaeological raids, incurring the undying wrath of the Chinese.
Review:
'Recounted with great skill ... opens a window onto a fascinating world' Financial Times 'Highly readable and elegant' Times Literary Supplement
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