Summary
Is your passport up to date? Because Tim and Moby are about to take you on a 6,000-kilometer journey, from Europe to China, along the route of the Silk Road! In this animated movie, you’ll learn about the origins of this historic trading route, beginning with Alexander the Great’s conquests in the Near East, and the western expansion of China’s Han Dynasty. Follow ancient caravans across treacherous mountain passes and parched deserts, as they try to steer clear of ruthless bandits. Discover the cargo that was transported down the road, from precious metals like gold, to other valuable items like silk and spices. You’ll also learn how various overland and maritime routes tied together the great civilizations of the ancient world, and helped usher them into the modern era. So hop on your camel and come along! (You do own a camel, don’t you?)
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Silk Road:
- What is one new thing you learned about silk road?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining silk road.
- Draw or give one example of your own.