The common perception of the Silk Roads involves deserts, camels, tea, and bazaars, among other stereotypical Orientalist motifs. A new exhibit at the British Museum, however, challenges that generalization. “Silk Roads” promises to paint a more nuanced picture of what many view as the first example of globalization. Focusing on individual people and roads, the exhibition zeroes in on the massive impact of these fable routes, and introduces viewers to many stories—an English smuggler named Willibad, for instance, and the Chinese princess who unlocked the art of silk-making. The objects on display were gathered in collaboration with 29 national and international partners, ensuring that visitors get a well-rounded experience that goes deep. —Alice Browne