Das Partherreich als Bindeglied der Seidenstraße zwischen China und Rom

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of the Parthian Empire in the Silk Road trade between China and the Roman Empire. It examines Parthian, Roman and Chinese sources to achieve a better understanding of its importance for trade contacts along the Silk Road. As the analysis will show, Roman and Chinese sources differ greatly in their interpretation of the role the Parthians played within these trade networks, and they shed light on different aspects of the relationships, be it trade or otherwise.