Palmyra on the Silk Road: Terrestrial and Maritime Trading Routes from China to the Mediterranean

In this chapter, I explore the question in how far Palmyra can be considered part of the Silk Road. The question is partly a matter of definition, partly of source criticism: what is, in general, understood by the Silk Road in geographical, temporal and material terms, and how does Palmyra fit into this picture? The question is prompted the fact that Palmyra is rarely indicated on maps depicting eastern and western trade, while it does have many characteristics, as well as a geographical position, that makes it an important factor in eastern-western relationships. Given the new research that has been done on Palmyra in the past decade, it may be worthwhile to reconsider its position with respect to the Silk Road. It will be concluded that Palmyra is essential in defining any notion of either ‘Silk Road’ or ‘Silk Route(s)’.