Empires of Silver

Discover what happens when the King of Spain’s supply of silver meets the Emperor of China’s tax demands. This remarkable story places China at the center of world trade 400 years ago when China’s demand for silver linked the world into one global network.

Modern China is the second-largest economy in the world—soon to be number one. But this isn't anything new for China which has always been an economic powerhouse. Spin back just over two hundred years to see what "addictive" commodities are at the heart of China's trade with Great Britain.

The sun is setting on the Chinese Empire as the balance of power shifts between China and Great Britain. But China is once again the world’s biggest importer of silver thanks to new high-tech industries.