Before empires rose and fell in Central Asia, a network of merchants known as the Sogdians held the keys to trade along the Silk Road. In this episode, we explore how these city-dwellers from Samarkand and Panjikent became the first global bankers, creating credit systems that predated modern banking by centuries. We follow their journey from the ancient oasis cities to Chang’an, where they established vibrant communities and managed vast commercial networks across Eurasia. You will hear about the Patikar system, a form of early joint-stock partnership, and discover how Sogdian letters reveal the intricate social and economic lives of traders who operated between the Tang Dynasty and the Byzantine Empire. From the ruins of Afrosiab to the caves of Dunhuang, we uncover the tangible evidence of a people whose wealth was built on trust, language, and an unparalleled understanding of cross-cultural commerce.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Fexingo. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Fexingo och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
