The History of the Silk Road

      The Silk Road was a network of trade routes which began during the Han Dynasty ( 206 BCE – 220 CE) spanning 4000 miles across the Afro-Eurasian landmass that connected East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean and European world, including parts of North and East Africa. Sea routes also existed which extended from the Red Sea to coastal India, China and Southeast Asia.

 Explorers, pilgrims, philosophers, and tradesmen all risked their lives to make profits as they traveled across dangerous terrain with precious goods that attracted thieves and pirates.

Photo by auws on Flickr

Although silk was heavily traded across the Silk Road many other luxury items were traded including , satin, hemp and other fine fabrics, musk, other perfumes, spices, medicines, jewels, and glassware. China’s trading goods included silk, teas, and porcelain; India’s included spices, ivory, textiles, precious stones, and pepper; and the Roman Empire exported gold, silver, fine glassware, wine, carpets, and jewels. The trading of slaves was present during these times as well.

Trade on the Silk Road helped develop the civilizations of China, India, Ancient Egypt, Persia, Arabia, and Ancient Rome as not only luxury goods but technologies such as paper and glass making; religions such as Buddhism and Islam; and philosophies also found their way across the Silk
Road. The Silk Road lasted until the 15^th century as new sea routes to Asia had been discovered.