The Silk Road: An Icon Of Hope

Image source: newcastle.edu.au

History as we know it is influenced by a number of key events or people. There are great forces that are relatively more significant in their impact compared to other events. This is the case with the Silk Road.

Back in the day, most of the modern world was boxed into its immediate surroundings. Much of the trade that took place was in Europe, where most of the world’s superpowers hail from. The only semblance of connection to the east was with Galleon trade, which only consisted of sending a limited number of men to the unexplored regions. They lost lives at sea alone and numbered less whenever they reached their destination, if at all.

It was only on the Silk Road where travelers from Europe really engaged with those from the west. The Silk Road was named as such because of the trade of a unique material predominantly from China, which was silk. This caught the interest of many Europeans and Westerners, because of its unique flair and captivating artistry.

Image source: silkroadpartnership.com

Soon enough, it was no longer a place exclusive only to silk. It became the main avenue for the most demanded goods. It became the route for spices, jewelry, and even weapons, to be transported between two highly contrasting worlds.

Today, when there is conflict among nations, a lesson on reconciliation is always drawn from the history of the Silk Road. It still stands as an icon of hope, where differences among cultures are not the reason for the stoppage of meaningful engagement. In fact, these differences are the essence of it all.

Michael Blitzer of Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, studies history in his off time. For more on Michael’s interests, follow him on Twitter.