From the time of the Egyptian pharaohs in 1070 B.C. through the 14th Century, the Silk Road trade route linked major Asian and European metropolitan areas together via a marketplace of foods, fabrics and other expensive goods. A new University Library System exhibit at Hillman Library highlights the route’s historical impact through a series of displays and speakers.

Speakers series

A guest speaker series titled “Silk Roads Rising: Globalization and Exchange from the 10th Century to the Present” will take place in the Thornburgh Room on the first floor of Hillman Library. “Traveling for the State: Dunhuang Envoys on the Silk Road” will kick off the series on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Three other events will take place through the end of April. Read more about the topics and events.

Exhibit

In Travelers Along the Silk Roads: 10th Century to the Present, a series of cases on the ground and second floors of the library, feature maps of the Silk Road; musical instruments; and information about Alexander the Great, Kublai Khan and Marco Polo. The exhibit will be on display through May. Find more information about them on the University Library’s website. here.

The speaker series and displays are free and open to the public.