From Silkworm Legend to Silk Industry

Cowan traces silk culture west 🌏 Later writers proposed a route from China through India and Persia, eventually reaching Europe.

Greece heard two silk stories 🏺 Cowan says wrought silk reached Greece with Alexander’s army from Persia around 323 BCE; a Greek tradition credited weaving on Cos to Pamphila.

Silk-making takes root in Europe 🧵 Cowan says two Persian monks brought silkworm eggs and instructions to Constantinople around 555 CE. England had silk work by 1455; broad manufacture began in 1620.

Origin story becomes industry 🏭 Cowan names London’s silk throwsters’ company and the Derby machine among the English milestones. The arc moves from tradition to organized silk manufacture.