I finished reading "The Silk Roads - A new history of the world" by Peter Frankopan. 📚
This certainly was one of the most difficult books I ever read, since it was packed with information, I wasn't acquainted with the topic yet, and I read it on English instead of my native language. However, it was a nice read and I'm certainly proud of me. 👍
I'll make a thread with some things I noticed and learned...
(1/x)
1) The main thesis of the book is: The European-centric way of telling the world's history is flawed. Actually, Central Asian territories have had the biggest influence on the world's destiny (with respect to culture, trade, power, religion).
The first third of the book clearly makes this point, while the latter parts seem to tell the "normal" world history, making the book less special. In this point, I agree with most of the book reviews I found.
(2/x)
2) To my surprise, the Roman Empire wasn't as European as I thought it was. The author states that Rome was very focused on the East. This is one of the reasons why it's capital was shifted from Rome to Byzantium / Constantinople in 330 AD. Also, don't forget that Rome religion, the Christianity, originated in the Middle East.
(3/x)
3) "Once [...] the ancient Greeks and the Roman's had allowed the sciences to flourish. Then they adopted Christianity."
Around 900 AD, the Silk Roads are the scientific (and therefore cultural) heart of the world. Europe is meanwhile stuck in the Middle Age, which should be only a side note in history.
(4/x)
@hinterwaeldler
Hey uh I think you posted this twice for it is taking up my entire feed
@Skrallex I wanted to add hashtags and hat to delete-repost. Also sorry for taking up your feed. I'm done tooting for now, but will make another handful of toots later. 😃
@hinterwaeldler
You're good :)
4) The Crusades are another sign for the importance of the Middle East regions. To protect Byzantine from the Seljuks, the pope calls his people to the first crusade in 1099 AD, successfully invading Jerusalem. The crusade is supported by the maritime nations Genua, Pisa, (and mostly) Venice. These cities quickly rise to power on the world's stage.
#books #history
(5/x)