07-06-2012, 11:49 AM
First, we must remember the "Silk Road" is far older than once assumed. And second, it had at least two distinct routes, basically along the the north and south of the steppe. It was established in the bronze age.
The Romans were a major "late" player in the game, and they had to trade something to get something. The variety of luxuries that were traded would certainly include glass products. That Roman glass (or Syrian) arrived to Japan doesn't seem shocking. Silk has been found in "barbarian Germany," and at a very early date-- sometime B.C. In the fifth century, as mentioned for these glass objects, a huge amount of Indic jewels found their way to Frankish and Alemanni craftsmen. But in essence, we can go back to 1,500 BC when Altai tin was carried to central Mesopotamia. :roll:
The Romans were a major "late" player in the game, and they had to trade something to get something. The variety of luxuries that were traded would certainly include glass products. That Roman glass (or Syrian) arrived to Japan doesn't seem shocking. Silk has been found in "barbarian Germany," and at a very early date-- sometime B.C. In the fifth century, as mentioned for these glass objects, a huge amount of Indic jewels found their way to Frankish and Alemanni craftsmen. But in essence, we can go back to 1,500 BC when Altai tin was carried to central Mesopotamia. :roll:
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
