Roman Trade Route to Ancient China // 1st cent. AD Periplus // Ancient Primary Source

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This is an extract from the 1st century Periplus of the Erythraean Sea - a navigation and trade guide for sea merchants, and an invaluable insight into the Roman Empire's knowledge of both Ancient India and Ancient China.

Thanks for Raoul McLaughlin for the use of his translation, head over to his YouTube channel for more context on this remarkable document:

If this channel is something you like, if you think saving primary sources is important, head over to the patreon and join up!

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— Music courtesy of:-
- Epidemic Sound

— Voice actor & editor:-
David Kelly

We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit.

Thanks to:

Tony Hisgett
Roberto Venturini
Gary Todd
Matthew Jose Fisher
PHGCOM for the map
NASA image by Jeff Schmaltz, LANCE/EOSDIS Rapid Response.
Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels

[RabidBogling]

Brought to you by the Guild of Audioscholars. The Guild of Audioscholars read only the finest tomes. From learned philosophers to saucy erotica. True Roman books, for true Romans. No serviles, actors, or unclean tradesmen need subscribe.

[ramessesthegreat]

What's really baffling is that most of the customs mentioned by the Romans to be carried out by the Indians 2000 years ago are still followed

[mouglliakki]

As an Indian, this video almost made me cry. So many cultures lost forever to time. So many places left forever unvisited.

[simpliciussimplicissimus]

What strikes me is how the obvious knowledge the Romans had of the Horn of Africa got lost for nearly 1500 years to Europeans until the Portuguese after several attempts finally discovered it admittedly from the west and finally sailed around the same .

[motaman]

I didn't realize they had Audible in ancient Rome!

[stephenmichalski]

This channel is soooo really is like taking a trip back in listening to someone from back then relate their hardly get much closer to the past than great work.

[learrus]

I have spent my entire life since I could read at 3, reading about archaeology and paleontology; so many questions I've had about facets of ancient life that have been determined "mysterious and impossible to know" in these academic narratives, have been proven true in these readings you've posted, and I wonder if any of these scientists have ever considered simply reading the common person's words at all!?!?!?

I LOVE this series, it gives so much life, colour, and texture to the ancient world! They were absolutely far more sophisticated than we are!

Hearing how the open water voyage was worked out, as a modern day boat builder and sailor, was incredibly satisfying!

I love in particular that it is read purely, and no opinion or discussion of it is added; I only want to hear their words!

How frustrated he is that there are unexplored regions; and his choice of words to convey it, are priceless.

[camilofernando]

I'm from the Kingdom of the Pandya, A Tamil Sea faring Clan called the Parathavar, We exist even to this day!

[crocve]

A proposal for the next video: a reading of the letter of Pero Vaz de Caminha to King Manuel of Portugal about the discovery of Brazil in 1500 and the first contact between the portuguese and the natives.

[paulhenrik]

Love your videos, man! Especially these videos of ancient greek/roman/chinese scholars and their discussions of far away lands...

[ISawABear]

I'm really happy you have ads to support your content but honestly, just place it upfront. I'd prefer the read wasn't interrupted.

[Mirokuofnite]

Do 'Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks'. Start with the ultimatum of the Sultan and do the reply.

[NeilRoy]

Fascinating, and well done as always, thanks.

[simpliciussimplicissimus]

Sorry my mistake, That Roman Sailor was referring to Somalia on the gulf of Eden which makes sense because this is the Horn of Africa . I confused it with the Cape of good Hope, hence sailing around from west to east and vise versa . Silly me . Cheers from Queensland

[dr.enochmetatron]

excellent presentation. great narration. very informative historical accounts. good choreography. greatly appreciate your time to produce and share your knowledge with us. have a great day always.

[x]

I've noticed in a few videos(this one included) when you have the transparency of something fading out it will flash for a single frame at full opacity when it was fully gone. Happened on this video with the diamonds around 3:20. Whatever you are using for it is rolling back over to 1 right that last moment.

[justincasey]

At last, something I’ve not heard of, carry on with original research and I’ll keep watching.

[TristanGougeon]

Amazing Video ! I actually recommended this video a month and a half ago for you guys to cover.. dunno if you discovered this text but thank you nevertheless!

[zoesdada]

I feel like this was the way the world was meant to be. Life may have been dangerous and in many cases short but a man could make his way in the world with his wits and a trusty sword. There were still mysteries in the world and adventures to be had. I'd give anything to just be able to see for myself what the world was like at this time.

[alejandromedina]

Curious how he names tortoise shells lots of times. it was used in ornamets as little jewel boxes and one women hair combs.