Page 17 - All About History - Issue 33-15

Trade

LEAVE YOUR MARK

Silk Road traders made their mark on the land as
they travelled with different forms of art. Indo-
European Sogdians carved rocks in Pakistan,
travellers painted on cave walls in Mogao, and
magnificent cave temples were built in Subei
County. Many of these caves contained statues or
paintings of Buddha, and the imagery was intricate
This ninth-century fresco is from and colourful.
the walls of Bezeklik Thousand
Buddha Caves, near Turfan, China
FACE THE SAND DEMONS

Desert storms made an already inhospitable
environment even more dangerous. Sand dunes
were whipped into storms by high winds, making
it impossible to see, so markers were set in the
sand showing the direction of approach to avoid
disorientation once the storm had ended. The
sound of the wind was often thought to be famed
desert demons that plagued unlucky travellers.

MERCHANTS’ MEETING

Throughout the desert were oasis towns like
Dunhuang, home to Mogao caves, as well as
landmarks like Tashkurgan’s stone tower, providing
places for groups of merchants to congregate –
similar to modern service stations. Important
information was exchanged here, like whether
trades could be made with nearby groups, and any
hazards to watch out for on the road ahead.
MAKE A SALE

Having heard at the meeting stop that a group
travelling from the west may be willing to trade
and are located nearby, the direction could be
changed and a meeting arranged. The groups
met in an open space, with the goods then placed
between them for inspection. If the transaction
was beneficial, goods were traded – silk might be
exchanged for gold, silver and jewels.
TIME FOR BED

After a long day’s travelling, a resting spot was
picked and fires made to warm the caravan as they
slept. Simple meals of meat and rice were eaten,
and water, if in short supply, was rationed (the
camels were last to drink, needing it less than their
human leaders). The traders slept with half an eye
on their cargo and their weapons in case of attack.

The ruins of Tashkurgan Fort can be
seen today, and would have been a key © Corbis
meeting point for Silk Road caravans
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