The current center of Shaanxi province has served as the capital of eleven dynasties during Chinas 4,000 year cultural prime. It has accommodated different religions, rulers, poets, monks and soldier alike. Xian became a metro-polis due to its location at the eastern end of the Silk Road. Through this commercial path, massive caravans brought in the goods of Europe and the rest of Asia, and carried the merchandise of China back to conquer the world. Paintings from thousands of years ago depict the lively polo games, hunting, wild fun, enchanting courtesans, and such colorful life that the country has never before seen. According to some scientists, if they were to start excavations at any given area in the vicinity of Xian, they would surely find treasures from thousands of years ago.