The Sogdian Trading Network Across Central Asia

Long before the Mongol Empire, the Sogdians were the master merchants of the Silk Road. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how these Central Asian traders created a vast network stretching from China to the Mediterranean. They discuss the Sogdian language and its role as a lingua franca, the discovery of the Sogdian Ancient Letters—revealing a world of caravans, credit, and family ties—and how Sogdian merchants influenced the spread of Buddhism, Manichaeism, and Nestorian Christianity. The episode also covers the decline of Sogdian power under Arab conquests and the lasting legacy of their trading posts from Samarkand to Dunhuang. A rich look at the unsung architects of the Silk Road. #Sogdians #SilkRoad #AncientLetters #Samarkand #Buddhism #Manichaeism #Nestorianism #Dunhuang #CentralAsia #TradeNetworks #LinguaFranca #Canal #MugDocuments #MountMugh #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast #WorldHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo