Art of Science: Archaeology of China’s Southern Silk Road: Concept, Physical Reality, or a Marco Polo Fantasy?
@ Parlour and Ramp
2130 W 21st St, Chicago, IL 60608
Opening Thursday, September 25th, from 7 PM - 10 PM
Archaeology of China’s Southern Silk Road: Concept, Physical Reality, or a Marco Polo Fantasy?
The Silk Road is often celebrated as one of the earliest transport networks linking China with Eurasia. Far less known, however, is the Southern Silk Road—a route stretching from central China through the mountainous southwest and into the eastern states of South Asia. Revived in contemporary discourse through the One Belt One Road project, this network was once imagined as an alternative passage to evade nomadic raids in the north, yet historical documentation remains scarce.
Drawing on recent archaeological field research, Prof. Yao will explore the actual contours of trade along this rugged frontier. Did silk and cloth drive exchange between China and India—or were horses and tea the more significant stimuli? And just how “old” is this road?
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Alice Yao
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Alice Yao is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Chicago. An anthropological archaeologist, she is the author of The Ancient Highlands of Southwest China. Her decade-long collaborations with Chinese archaeologists have resulted in the uncovering of ruins of indigenous societies and Han administrative towns in Yunnan, which was recognized as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries in China in 2024.
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Image credit: Alice Yao
PRESENTATION BEGINS AT 8 PM.
In this science outreach series, scientists present different scientific topics to the general public in a laid-back atmosphere in an art gallery.
Please mark your calendar for the upcoming fall 2025 events:
10/23/25 – Genetics
11/20/25 – Geoengineering
12/11/25 – Nuclear Physics
More information will be given closer to each event.
The September 2025 event:
Archaeology of China’s Southern Silk Road: Concept, Physical Reality, or a Marco Polo Fantasy?
Presented by Prof. Alice Yao
University of Chicago
Presentation abstract and presenter bios are below.
PRESENTATION BEGINS AT 8 PM.
Exciting science, art and socializing.
Donation bar.
Vegan snacks.
Events are always free and open to all, so feel free to invite others.
Hope to see you there!
Parlour & Ramp Gallery is at 2130 W. 21st St.
Easily accessible by the pink line (Damen stop) and the Damen Ave. (#50) bus. Some street parking available.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100025530925368.
If you are not already a member, you are invited to join the Art of Science group and be invited to future events.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/308458645920283/
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Official Website
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Tags: Alice Yao, Archaeology of China's Southern Silk Road: Concept Physical Reality or a Marco Polo Fantasy?, Chicago, Lower West Side, Parlour and Ramp
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