Introduces readers to three great historical figures: The monk Xuanzang, the conqueror Genghis Khan, and the merchant Marco Polo, who, years apart, each traveled the Silk Road, along different routes and for different motives. Photographs and art depicting the ancient routes and peoples bring to life the stories of these three explorers who changed history. Maps, sidebars and an afterword that updates the story of the Silk Road are also featured.