Ferdinand von Richthofen
1833–1905 · German (Silesia) · Victorian Era
Known for: Geographer who coined the term 'Silk Road' and conducted the most comprehensive Western geological survey of China
Richthofen was a geologist who spent years surveying China, producing the most comprehensive Western study of the country. He coined the term 'Silk Road' to describe the ancient trade routes connecting China with the Mediterranean.
He was meticulous, scholarly, and influential—he taught at the University of Berlin and mentored Sven Hedin. He was the uncle of the Red Baron (Manfred von Richthofen). He gave the world a name for one of history's most important cultural highways.
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