History
The Rise and Fall of Silk Road
Complete analysis of the marketplace that revolutionized darknet commerce and its dramatic takedown by the FBI
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Educational Research • Est. 2025
Explore the Hidden Internet
The most comprehensive encyclopedia of darknet history, technology, and culture. Educational resource for researchers, journalists, and security professionals.
50+
In-Depth Articles
200+
Glossary Terms
15+
Years of History
darkwiki@research:~
$
./scan_darknet.sh --comprehensive
[+] Initializing darknet research database...
[+] Loading Tor network analysis: 6,500+ active relays detected
[+] Historical archives loaded: 15+ years of documentation
[+] Cross-referencing law enforcement operations...
[+] Mapping notable personas and incidents...
[✓] DarkWiki research system ready
[!] Type 'help' for available commands
[+] Loading Tor network analysis: 6,500+ active relays detected
[+] Historical archives loaded: 15+ years of documentation
[+] Cross-referencing law enforcement operations...
[+] Mapping notable personas and incidents...
[✓] DarkWiki research system ready
[!] Type 'help' for available commands
Explore Topics
Deep dive into the various aspects of hidden networks and their history
Encyclopedia
Comprehensive guides to networks, protocols, and fundamental concepts of the darknet
10+ articlesHistory
Timeline of darknet evolution from early origins to the modern era
7+ articlesTechnology
Technical deep-dives into encryption, routing, and privacy technologies
8+ articlesMarkets
Historical analysis of notable darknet marketplaces and their economics
10+ articlesNotable Figures
Profiles of key individuals who shaped darknet history
7+ articlesMajor Incidents
Law enforcement operations and significant events in darknet history
8+ articlesDarknet Timeline
Key moments that shaped the hidden internet
September 2002
Tor Project Begins
The Onion Router project is released to the public, originally developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
February 2011
Silk Road Launches
Ross Ulbricht launches the first major darknet marketplace, revolutionizing anonymous online commerce.
October 2013
Silk Road Shutdown
FBI arrests Ross Ulbricht and seizes Silk Road, marking the first major darknet market takedown.
July 2017
Operation Bayonet
International operation takes down AlphaBay and Hansa Market in coordinated law enforcement action.
Darknet by the Numbers
Key statistics about hidden networks (2025)
6,500+
Active Tor Relays
Source: Tor Metrics
2.5M+
Daily Tor Users
Source: Tor Project
65,000+
Active .onion Sites
Source: Research Estimates
1,200+
Exit Nodes
Source: Tor Metrics
Learn the Language
Essential darknet terminology for researchers
Onion Routing
A technique for anonymous communication over a computer network where messages are encapsulated in layers of encryption.
Hidden Service
A server configured to receive inbound connections only through Tor, hiding its IP address from users.
Exit Node
The final relay in a Tor circuit that connects to the destination server on the regular internet.
PGP Encryption
Pretty Good Privacy - an encryption program providing cryptographic privacy and authentication.
Resources for Researchers
Books, documentaries, academic papers, and tools for further study
Browse Resources