5,000 miles long and passing through 13 countries, the Silk Road has been described as the most famous trade route in history, and one that changed the course of civilisation. In THE SILK ROAD (Wednesday 18th, 7.05pm) Dr Sam Willis explores its fascinating story, beginning with Venice, a city shaped by trade, before travelling to China’s ancient capital, Xian. It was there that the Emperor’s desperate desire to protect his lands linked East with West, as he bartered precious silk for horses.
Taking in some of the most extraordinary sights on the planet, Sam visits the high mountain passes of Tajikistan, the Uzbek cities of Samarkand and Bukara and the legendary city of Persepolis, before ending his journey in Venice, where he visits Marco Polo’s house.