The 'Myth' of the Silk Road

[Mikeh55]

Just a modest point to this discussion.  True, there is little evidence for Roman direct trade overland to China.  That said - there were a lot of people / rulers etc in the way !  the excavations at Dura-Europos found bolts of raw Chinese Silk in good condition.  Granted this site was overrun in the 250's.  There is evidence of Sogdian traders operating routes over some 1500 miles to China over a lengthy period - see images of these traders in the form of grave statues!  So, at least some one-way trade to the West took place over a lengthy period.  As to Roman goods heading toward the East.... it would be interesting to see / understand if any pottery or weapons made that trip.