However, it is thought that such trade was carried on by a series of intermediaries, or middlemen, with no one person actually making the whole 5,000 - mile (8,000 - km) trek between China and Italy.
Siiski arvatakse, et siidikaubandus toimus paljude vahendajate kaudu ning keegi ei võtnud ise ette 8000 - kilomeetrist rännakut Hiinast Itaaliasse.