The Silk Roads is a book written by Peter Frankopan that explores the historical significance and impact of the ancient trade routes known as the Silk Roads. In this comprehensive work, Frankopan challenges the traditional Eurocentric view of history and presents a new perspective by focusing on the interconnectedness of civilizations along these routes.

The book begins by tracing the origins of the Silk Roads, which were not only trade routes but also conduits for the exchange of ideas, religions, technologies, and cultures. Frankopan argues that these routes were crucial in shaping the world we live in today. He highlights how the Silk Roads facilitated the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and other major religions, as well as the transmission of knowledge and scientific advancements.

Frankopan delves into various historical periods and regions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Silk Roads’ impact. He explores the rise and fall of empires such as Persia, Rome, Byzantium, and China, emphasizing their interactions with other civilizations through trade along these routes. The author also sheds light on lesser-known regions like Central Asia and their pivotal role in connecting East and West.

One of the central themes in the book is the shift in power from West to East over time. Frankopan argues that while Europe was experiencing its Dark Ages, Asia was flourishing economically and culturally. He highlights how this shift influenced global politics and economics throughout history.

Furthermore, Frankopan examines how the Silk Roads shaped geopolitical events such as the Crusades, Mongol invasions, European colonialism, and even modern conflicts in the Middle East. He emphasizes that understanding these historical connections is crucial for comprehending contemporary global affairs.

In addition to historical analysis, Frankopan incorporates personal anecdotes from his travels along the Silk Roads. These experiences provide a vivid portrayal of the diverse cultures and landscapes he encountered during his journey.

Overall, The Silk Roads offers a fresh perspective on world history by highlighting the importance of the ancient trade routes in shaping civilizations and fostering cultural exchange. It challenges the Eurocentric narrative and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of different regions and civilizations throughout history.

• The Silk Roads

• A New History of the World
• By: Peter Frankopan
• Narrated by: Laurence Kennedy

It was on the Silk Road that East and West first met through trade and conquest, leading to the spread of thought, culture, and religion. From the rise and fall of empires to the spread of Buddhism and the birth of Christianity and Islam, to the great wars of the 20th century – this book shows you how. how the part of the West has always been inextricably linked with the East.

Peter Frankopan rearranges our understanding of the world, directing us eastward. He vividly depicts the emergence of the first cities in Mesopotamia and the birth of empires in Persia, Rome and Constantinople, as well as the destruction of the Mongols, the spread of The Black Death and the violent struggles against Western imperialism. For millennia, it was the craving for foreign goods that brought East and West together, fueling economies and the development of nations.

From the Middle East and its political instability to China and its economic rise, the vast region stretching eastward from the Balkans through the steppe and South Asia has become the focus of global attention. demand in recent years. Frankopan teaches us that to understand what is at stake for the cities and countries built on these intricate trade routes, we must first understand their incredible past. More than just a history of the Silk Road, this book is truly a new, exploratory history of the world that promises to destabilize notions of where we come from and where we’re headed. next.

An excellent compendium of most of central and western Asia. Ironically, the author pays little attention to the eastern half of the Silk Road, saving the Mongols. In his view, he is also resolute and unrepentant about his anti-Western views, while giving little praise to the Middle East.

However, the sheer detail of the history presented, and the author’s ability to weave it into an entertaining story, make this book well worth your time. Just make sure you support it with Niall Ferguson’s “Civilization” if you want to understand the whole coin, rather than just the eastern half.

The Silk Road is one of those rare finds worth your time and seriously addictive. A history book that reads like an entertaining novel but is also very enlightening, even for a history student who thinks they’ve heard of it before, this book contains anecdotes. unique. And the performance is brilliantly done. I have a physical copy just for notes. Truly a modern masterpiece!

I will preface this by saying that I have a degree in medieval history and have read a lot of scholarly and non-academic history books in my time. This is one of the most interesting books I have read/heard in a while. It does a great job of making its argument – the idea that the region stretching from the Levant and Afghanistan is the ‘Heart of the World’ and the crux of world problems for millennia – is clear. I think the debate will lose some of its power after it enters the post-16th century, but it’s still worth thinking about. The narrator is also great.

Audiobookss audio player

Hi everyone, please be noticed that the Audio player doesn't play next track on IOS version < 15.6. If you are facing that issue, just upgrade your IOS to version 15.6 to fix it. Enjoy!