Embarking on a journey through time and across continents, documentaries about the Silk Road unravel the intricate tapestry of an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West.
From the bustling marketplaces of Xi’an to the storied cities of Samarkand and beyond, these documentaries unveil the secrets of a corridor that shaped the destinies of empires and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.
Documentaries About The Silk Road
I have written many articles about some of the places mentioned here having travelled to many of the destinations along the Silk Road, particularly in Central Asia. It’s truly an epic place of history and adventure.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply someone seeking a fascinating journey, these documentaries about the Silk Road provide an engaging and insightful expedition along the ancient route.
Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure (2018)
Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure is a travel documentary series that follows the renowned British actress and presenter Joanna Lumley as she embarks on a journey along the ancient Silk Road. The series consists of three episodes, each focusing on different segments of this historic trade route.
Joanna Lumley’s adventure takes her through a variety of countries, landscapes, and cultures, showcasing the diversity and richness of the regions connected by the Silk Road. The Silk Road was a network of interconnected trade routes that played a crucial role in facilitating cultural exchange, commerce, and interactions between the East and the West for centuries.
Throughout the series, Lumley explores cities, historical sites, and remote areas, meeting locals and immersing herself in the traditions and lifestyles along the way.
The documentary provides not only a travelogue of Lumley’s personal experiences but also a historical and cultural narrative that sheds light on the significance of the Silk Road in shaping the world we know today.
The Silk Road (2016)
The Silk Road follows Dr Sam Willis, who is a maritime historian, archaeologist, and television presenter as he explores the history and significance of the Silk Road.
The documentary series gives you great insights into the cultural exchange, trade, and interactions that occurred along this historical route. The series delves into the impact of the Silk Road on different civilizations, examining the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.
The Silk Road (1980)
The Silk Road is a NHK documentary series that is considered a classic in the genre and has been well-received for its comprehensive exploration of the historical trade routes connecting East and West.
The series covers the Silk Road’s vast geographical expanse, from China to the Mediterranean. It highlights the historical, cultural, and economic exchanges that took place along this ancient network, bringing together diverse civilizations.
Although it is an old series now it is still a classic documentary show about the Silk Road you should watch if you have a real interest in the subject.
How the Silk Road Made the World (2019)
How the Silk Road Made The World is a 3-part documentary series that explores all the historical elements of how this ancient trade route came to be and the events that shaped its history and the countries connected to it.
You can watch all 3 episodes for free on YouTube.
Start with this episode:
The Silk Road (2019)
This is one of the more recent documentaries about the Silk Road, or documentary series it should be said.
The journalist Alfred de Montesquiou takes you on a journey through six countries of the Silk Road meeting with historians and the people of the countries he visits exploring the ancient route. From Turkey all the way to Xi’an in China.
There’s no trailer for this series which is why I used a photo to illustrate it. I found this a very captivating series although if I had to recommend only one to watch I would suggest Joanna Lumley’s mentioned in the beginning or the one with Dr Sam Willis.
You can watch all the episodes for free on GoTraveler (link to the Silk Road series).
The Silk Road
All these documentaries about the Silk Road show the ancient network of trade routes and its history, significance, and impact on different cultures.
If you’re interested in ancient trade routes or modern-day adventures, these films provide a visual and informative feast if you’re fascinated by the Silk Road’s enduring allure.
For me, travelling along parts of the Silk Road route have been some of my most epic adventures and if you are thinking of exploring some of the places on it, I highly recommend you do.
Have a look at my article on the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.
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