Long before one German scientist in the 19th century proposed calling a unique phenomenon in the life of mankind the Great Silk Road, caravans of camels, foot merchants, and lines of captives walked along this road. Caravanserais grew, cities were built, destroyed and swept away by sand, states were born and died. But the Great Silk Road was not empty. It connected China, India, Rus' and Europe and largely determined the development of science, culture and industry in these regions. And, ultimately, the face of modern civilization. Read about amazing discoveries, desperate adventures, bloody wars on the dusty roads of the Silk Road.