Ceramic
312–132 BCE
SMB
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Parthian
Theme
Trade, Movement and Exchange
Subtheme
Across Deserts and Mountains – the ‘Incense’ and ‘Silk’ Roads
Case Title
Silk Route
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Merkes, Babylon, Iraq
Measurements
4.2 x 15.6 x 7.5 cm
Accession Number
VA Bab 01208
Description
In the ancient world transport by river or sea – symbolised by this unassuming Persian boat model – was faster and cheaper than overland. The Gulf ports and a dense network of canals linking the rivers Tigris and Euphrates encouraged merchant shipping.
Parthian Iran was an intermediary in the trade between Central Asia and the Mediterranean, imposing heavy customs duties.
