I learn that the 4th century Roman empire had ONE person that was legally allowed to buy silk from foreign traders.
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Replying to @MariusHollenga
His title was the Comes Comerciorum, and this position was a clear indication that the Roman state intervened to keep silk prices reasonable
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Replying to @MariusHollenga
The problem was, of course, that silk-trade generally had to go through Persia, with whom the Romans had a....rocky relationship.
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Replying to @MariusHollenga
@MariusHollenga indeed! what I also found esp interesting is that clear silk trade continued into Byzantine 'dark age' of 7/8thC...2 replies 0 retweets 1 like -
Replying to @caitlinrgreen
@caitlinrgreen I remember reading that even during those bad times, they were sending envoys to China!1 reply 0 retweets 1 like -
Replying to @MariusHollenga
@caitlinrgreen https://byzantineperspectives.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/what-does-tang-china-have-in-common-with-anglo-saxon-england/ … (Credit to@shlin28 )1 reply 3 retweets 1 like
@MariusHollenga Yes, I remember that one too! Great blogpost @shlin28! :)
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