This volume delves into the core of its subject matter, exploring the intricate connections between the spread of human diseases and the extensive trading networks of the Silk Road, which have historically linked Eurasian civilizations and continue to do so today. Curated by an international team of expert authors, the book comprises two themed parts. The first section provides an introduction to the historical context, mapping the former and current routes of the Silk Road, which has served as the world’s longest trade route and a significant agent of cultural diffusion.
The second part is the focal point of the book and delves into medical research, individual diseases, and parasite groups prevalent in the Silk Road region. It offers a detailed examination of how parasites and disease vectors have spread across the globe, tracing the historical and contemporary impact of infectious diseases on human civilizations.
This interdisciplinary work will appeal to a diverse readership, including those interested in parasitology, palaeoparasitology, medical sciences, public health, and cultural history.
