In Exploring the Hidden Caves and Ancient Wonders of Cappadocia, host Joanna Lumley explores the fascinating underground world of Cappadocia, where thousands of caves have been transformed into homes and religious sites. Visit a monastery dating back to Turkey's Christian period and a restored church. Beneath the surface, a newly discovered network of caves used by ancient traders is revealed, highlighting the rich history of the region. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Silkworms — Spinning Beauty for Centuries, host Joanna Lumley explores the fascinating life cycle of silkworms and how they produce silk. Each silkworm can spin up to 1,500 meters of silk, which is used to create fabrics. Learn about the selective breeding of silkworms over centuries, highlighting how they feed on mulberry leaves and the process of silk production. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Dyeing Process of Kelaghayi Scarves, host Joanna Lumley visits Azerbaijan to explore the traditional craft of creating kelaghayi silk scarves. See the intricate process of making these scarves, from using carved wooden stamps to applying natural dyes. The significance of kelaghayi scarves is highlighted, with a special focus on their cultural importance in Azerbaijan, as well as their recognition by UNESCO. The artisans showcase their mastery of blending colors and applying them without measurements, resulting in unique, handcrafted silk scarves. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The History of Kashan, Iran, host Joanna Lumley visits the small city of Kashan in Iran, which is surrounded by desert. Ancient traders followed camel routes through the desert and Kashan grew from an oasis. Joanna visits a family of carpet weavers to see how the process of making Persian carpets continues today. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Fin Garden of Kashan, host Joanna Lumley visits a garden that was built in 1590 by channeling an ancient spring to bring flowing water to the desert. The water in this garden flows even during times of drought. The technology used to bring water to the surface has since been used in many other parts of the world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Persepolis, Crown of the Persian Empire, host Joanna Lumley explores the ancient Iranian city of Persepolis, founded by Darius the Great in 518 B.C. She uncovers how the city was used for ceremonial purposes and showcases the grandeur of the Persian Empire, which at one point ruled over 44% of the world’s population. Using AI, Joanna visualizes what the city may have looked like in its prime and explains why it was destroyed just 200 years after its creation. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Subways of Tashkent, host Joanna Lumley explores the transformation of Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, which was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1966. Under Soviet rule, the city was rebuilt, including the construction of its 29 subway stations, each with unique architectural design that celebrates Uzbekistan's rich culture and history. From honoring space exploration to paying tribute to national exports like cotton, these subway stations are not only functional but also serve as a testament to the country's resilience and pride. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Stone Wonder of Tash Rabat, host Joanna Lumley visits Tash Rabat, a stone structure, located in a mountainous region of Kyrgyzstan that served as a stopping point or inn (caravanserai) for traders traveling through the region during the 15th Century. Its origins, however, may go back long before the 15th Century. Follow Joanna Lumley through some of the structure’s 31 rooms as she marvels at the many passageways, domes, and skylights. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Who Were the Sogdians?, Joanna Lumley uncovers the long-forgotten Sogdian civilization, which thrived between the fourth and eighth centuries in what is now Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Sogdians, known for their pivotal role in trade, formed merchant communities along the Silk Road, connecting distant cultures. Recent archaeological discoveries, including fresco paintings and evidence of cranial deformation, shed light on their culture and practices. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The History of Silk Production in Venice, host Joanna Lumley explores how the silk trade transformed the city’s economy and culture. She visits the Bevilacqua family, who have been producing silk for over 500 years, using traditional hand looms that date back centuries. Watch the time-consuming and intricate process of silk weaving, emphasizing why these fabrics are so valuable. Learn about Venice's connection to the Silk Road and how silk production influenced the city’s development. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Silk Road and Disease, host Joanna Lumley shares how, along with valuable goods like silk and spices, diseases like the bubonic plague spread along the Silk Road. Discover the impact of the plague on Venice, where it arrived three times most notably in 1629, causing the deaths of about one-third of the city’s population. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Marco Polo, host Joanna Lumley introduces the remarkable journey of Marco Polo, who traveled for 17 years across Asia. Marco, along with his father and uncle, were trusted envoys of the 13th-Century Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan. They were given a tablet guaranteeing their safe passage through Khan's empire. During this time, spices were highly prized, making the Silk Road an essential trade route for connecting Asia to Europe. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Exploring the Hidden Caves and Ancient Wonders of Cappadocia, host Joanna Lumley explores the fascinating underground world of Cappadocia, where thousands of caves have been transformed into homes and religious sites. Visit a monastery dating back to Turkey's Christian period and a restored church. Beneath the surface, a newly discovered network of caves used by ancient traders is revealed, highlighting the rich history of the region. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Silkworms — Spinning Beauty for Centuries, host Joanna Lumley explores the fascinating life cycle of silkworms and how they produce silk. Each silkworm can spin up to 1,500 meters of silk, which is used to create fabrics. Learn about the selective breeding of silkworms over centuries, highlighting how they feed on mulberry leaves and the process of silk production. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Dyeing Process of Kelaghayi Scarves, host Joanna Lumley visits Azerbaijan to explore the traditional craft of creating kelaghayi silk scarves. See the intricate process of making these scarves, from using carved wooden stamps to applying natural dyes. The significance of kelaghayi scarves is highlighted, with a special focus on their cultural importance in Azerbaijan, as well as their recognition by UNESCO. The artisans showcase their mastery of blending colors and applying them without measurements, resulting in unique, handcrafted silk scarves. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The History of Kashan, Iran, host Joanna Lumley visits the small city of Kashan in Iran, which is surrounded by desert. Ancient traders followed camel routes through the desert and Kashan grew from an oasis. Joanna visits a family of carpet weavers to see how the process of making Persian carpets continues today. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Fin Garden of Kashan, host Joanna Lumley visits a garden that was built in 1590 by channeling an ancient spring to bring flowing water to the desert. The water in this garden flows even during times of drought. The technology used to bring water to the surface has since been used in many other parts of the world. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Persepolis, Crown of the Persian Empire, host Joanna Lumley explores the ancient Iranian city of Persepolis, founded by Darius the Great in 518 B.C. She uncovers how the city was used for ceremonial purposes and showcases the grandeur of the Persian Empire, which at one point ruled over 44% of the world’s population. Using AI, Joanna visualizes what the city may have looked like in its prime and explains why it was destroyed just 200 years after its creation. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Subways of Tashkent, host Joanna Lumley explores the transformation of Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, which was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1966. Under Soviet rule, the city was rebuilt, including the construction of its 29 subway stations, each with unique architectural design that celebrates Uzbekistan's rich culture and history. From honoring space exploration to paying tribute to national exports like cotton, these subway stations are not only functional but also serve as a testament to the country's resilience and pride. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Stone Wonder of Tash Rabat, host Joanna Lumley visits Tash Rabat, a stone structure, located in a mountainous region of Kyrgyzstan that served as a stopping point or inn (caravanserai) for traders traveling through the region during the 15th Century. Its origins, however, may go back long before the 15th Century. Follow Joanna Lumley through some of the structure’s 31 rooms as she marvels at the many passageways, domes, and skylights. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Who Were the Sogdians?, Joanna Lumley uncovers the long-forgotten Sogdian civilization, which thrived between the fourth and eighth centuries in what is now Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Sogdians, known for their pivotal role in trade, formed merchant communities along the Silk Road, connecting distant cultures. Recent archaeological discoveries, including fresco paintings and evidence of cranial deformation, shed light on their culture and practices. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The History of Silk Production in Venice, host Joanna Lumley explores how the silk trade transformed the city’s economy and culture. She visits the Bevilacqua family, who have been producing silk for over 500 years, using traditional hand looms that date back centuries. Watch the time-consuming and intricate process of silk weaving, emphasizing why these fabrics are so valuable. Learn about Venice's connection to the Silk Road and how silk production influenced the city’s development. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In The Silk Road and Disease, host Joanna Lumley shares how, along with valuable goods like silk and spices, diseases like the bubonic plague spread along the Silk Road. Discover the impact of the plague on Venice, where it arrived three times most notably in 1629, causing the deaths of about one-third of the city’s population. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Marco Polo, host Joanna Lumley introduces the remarkable journey of Marco Polo, who traveled for 17 years across Asia. Marco, along with his father and uncle, were trusted envoys of the 13th-Century Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan. They were given a tablet guaranteeing their safe passage through Khan's empire. During this time, spices were highly prized, making the Silk Road an essential trade route for connecting Asia to Europe. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.