The Silk Roads: Changing Perspectives: The Parthian monopoly

The video explores the historical significance of silk in the Buddhist world and its trade through the Parthian Empire. The Parthians, who encountered silk via a Chinese embassy, were not major consumers but profited from trade taxes. They maintained a monopoly on silk trade to the West, opposing direct Roman-Chinese relations. Despite conflicts, trade persisted due to Roman demand, with key towns like Palmyra remaining active.

How did the Parthians initially come into contact with silk?

• Through local production

• Via Roman traders

• By conquering Chinese territories

• Through a Chinese embassy

What was the Parthians' main interest in the silk trade?

• Producing silk locally

• Benefiting from import and export taxes

• Using silk for military uniforms

• Consuming silk for religious purposes

Why did the Parthians oppose direct contact between China and Rome?

• To maintain their monopoly on the silk trade

• To prevent cultural exchange

• To protect their religious beliefs

• To avoid military conflicts

How did the Romans eventually gain direct access to silk?

• By negotiating with the Parthians

• By producing silk themselves

• By discovering how to sail with the monsoon winds

• By conquering the Parthian Empire

What does the continued trade between Rome and the Parthian Empire during conflicts demonstrate?

• The power of trade and mutual economic interests

• The weakness of the Parthian military

• The Roman desire to conquer the Parthians

• The decline of the silk trade