Event—Adult Education

Silk, Silver, Amber: Ancient Trade Routes and Eurasian Civilizations

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Embark on a journey through the ancient trade routes of Eurasia.

Bowl with Camel Caravan, late 12th – early 13th century, Persia. Source: The Walters Art Museum, Accession Number: 48.1054.

Class Description

Embark on a captivating exploration of ancient trade routes that continue to influence our world today. Travel across time and continents to uncover the profound impact of these historical pathways on Eurasian civilizations. Delve into the legendary Silk Road, connecting East and West, and the lesser-known Amber Road, spanning North to South from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean via river networks. Discover the exchange of precious goods, cultures, and ideas along these routes, from silk and silver to knowledge and diverse societies. Explore the routes' profound effects on empires, social structures, and cultural diffusion. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how these ancient highways transformed Eurasia, leaving an enduring legacy.

By the course's end, you'll appreciate the pivotal role played by Silk, Silver, and Amber routes in shaping Eurasian civilizations. Join this enlightening historical odyssey to unlock the secrets of these ancient conduits of human interaction.

Nina Wieda teaches at Northwestern University. She received her PhD in Russian literature from Northwestern University and an MA in nationalism studies from Central European University.

Materials List

No Required Materials

Cost and Registration

This class is full, but you can still register for the waitlist on Learning Stream.

6 sessions, $268 ($241 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

Register for Waitlist

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Call us at (312) 255-3700 or send us an email at adulteducation@newberry.org.

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