Curiosity Stream

Empires of Silver

3 episodes 93%4KCC

How one metal forged empires, markets, and the modern world.

Discover how silver connected China, Spain, and the Americas, helping launch global trade from the 16th century onward. This series traces how the metal built fortunes, powered cities from Shanghai to Seville, and helped drive conflicts that reshaped nations. Sign up to see how one resource transformed world history.

Episode guide

3 episodes
1
1The Silver Rush
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.
59 min
2
2The China Trade
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.
59 min
3
3A Clash of Empires
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.
58 min
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Thousands of the world's best documentaries and factual programming — nature, history, science, technology, and biography — including exclusive Curiosity Originals like Empires of Silver. Stream it all ad-free, anytime.

Plans are billed annually — every plan streams in 4K. The Smart Bundle adds four partner services. There are no contracts — cancel anytime.

Watch on the web, iOS and Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, and most smart TVs. Start on one device and pick up right where you left off on another.

Yes. The library is full of family-friendly nature and science programming, and the Smart Bundle includes Kidstream — carefully chosen, ad-free shows kids will love and parents can trust.

Absolutely. There are no contracts and no cancellation fees — manage or cancel your plan anytime from your account settings.

Curiosity Stream is our streaming service — thousands of documentaries and originals. The Smart Bundle is Curiosity Stream plus four other independent streaming services (Tastemade, Kidstream, Curiosity University, and SOMM TV) on a single subscription.

Yes. Start on any plan and move up to the Smart Bundle whenever you like — the change takes effect right away, and your billing is simply prorated from your account settings.

Got your answer? Pick a plan and start streaming.Start streaming
Available now

Start watching Empires of Silver today

Stream thousands of award-winning documentaries. Cancel anytime.