The Silk Roads: Changing Perspectives: The Parthian monopoly

The video explores the historical significance of silk in the Buddhist world and its trade through the Parthian Empire. The Parthians, who encountered silk via a Chinese embassy, were not major consumers but profited from trade taxes. They maintained a monopoly on silk trade to the West, opposing direct Roman-Chinese relations. Despite conflicts, trade persisted due to Roman demand, with key towns like Palmyra remaining active.

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