WHAT?  Silk Roads

WHERE?  The British Museum,  Room 30, The Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG

WHEN?  Now until 23rd February 2025

WHY GO? For an ancient fusion of cultures. Historically the term Silk Roads refers to ancient trade between East and West, yet there was more than silk to tempt those intrepid travellers as far back as 500-1000 AD. The German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen conjured up the exotic title in 1877 and it has remained beguiling ever since.  

The lure of spices, sandalwood, silver coins, and even sweet white wine, seduced commercial entrepreneurs who brought their bounty home from countries that can barely be found on the map these days.

An enticing video of caravans of camels trekking across the desert invites us into this epic exhibition which is full of fascinating facts, but you may want to dip in selectively, as the whole journey can be a tad on the scholarly side. 

It’s a blockbuster that does what the British Museum does best, proudly displays antiquities from every ancient civilisation such as garnets from India, glass from Iran and ceramics from China. Some 300 exhibits unravel historical connections and religions that have spread far and wide throughout the world.

Many of those ancient countries have since been renamed and it takes an enquiring mind to get the gist.  

Amongst the serious info are fun facts, such as the legend of the Chinese silk princess, who upon her engagement to the King of Khotan, smuggled silkworms in her headdress to help create a flourishing silk industry for her new kingdom!

IN THE KNOW  Lectures and events connected to the exhibition include ‘Music of the Silk Roads’ a free drop-in recital on the evening of 29th November. It will feature music representing the multi-mix of cultures performed by musicians from countries as diverse as China, Iran Turkey and Afghanistan to name a few. 

Check the website for info.