The Silk Road, a network of Eurasian trade routes active from the 2nd century BCE to the mid-15th century, spanned over 6,400 km and played a crucial role in connecting the East and West. Facilitating economic, cultural, political, and religious exchanges, the Silk Road, or more accurately Silk Routes as some historians argue, comprised a complex web of land and sea routes. These routes linked various regions including Central, East, South, Southeast, and West Asia, along with East Africa and Southern Europe. The term "Silk Road" itself originated in the late 19th century.
1938: First Book Titled "The Silk Road" Published
In 1938, Swedish geographer Sven Hedin published the first book entitled "The Silk Road".
1993: UNWTO Begins Promoting Sustainable Tourism Along the Silk Road
Starting in 1993, the United Nations World Tourism Organization began working to develop sustainable international tourism along the Silk Road to foster peace and understanding.
2009: Luttwak Publishes Analysis of Hongwu Emperor's Proclamation
In 2009, Edward Luttwak published his analysis of the Hongwu Emperor's proclamation to the Byzantine court, suggesting the messenger was Nicolaus de Bentra.
June 2014: Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor Designated as World Heritage Site
In June 2014, UNESCO designated the Chang'an-Tianshan corridor of the Silk Road as a World Heritage Site.
June 2014: Silk Road Named a World Heritage Site
On June 22, 2014, UNESCO designated the Silk Road as a World Heritage Site.
June 2020: Silk Road Week
The China National Silk Museum organized "Silk Road Week" from June 19-25, 2020 to commemorate the Silk Road's World Heritage status.