The ancient cities along the Silk Road stretched across a vast and diverse region, connecting East Asia with the Mediterranean. These cities served not only as crucial hubs of trade but also as dynamic cultural crossroads, where ideas, religions, and technologies flowed alongside goods. Dunhuang, once a bustling oasis on the edge of the Gobi Desert, was a critical junction at the gateway to China and one of the key centres of this vast network.

The British Library have gathered an expert panel of historians and writers to explore other historic cities along this legendary corridor. Join Bettany Hughes as she uncovers the ancient wonders of Istanbul, travel with Colin Thubron through Uzbekistan to explore the legendary city of Samarkand and accompany Islam Issa as he delves into the magnificence of Alexandria. Our host for the evening is historian Rebecca Rideal.