The Silk Road was a large network of trade routes linking China with the Roman Empire. This amazing network of trade routes impacted so many events in history and was one of the first forms of global interaction through trade. The exchange of goods and ideas on this road helped shape nations and build empires. Here are some brief facts on the Silk Road:
- The Silk Road officially opened during the Han dynasty in 130 B.C. and closed in 1453 A.D. During the Tang dynasty, the Silk Road flourished the most.
- The term “Silk Road” was first used in 1877 by Ferdinand von Richthofen to describe this network of trade routes.
- Although the name is Silk Road, silk was not the only thing traded on these routes. In fact, some of the most traded items on the Silk Road were gunpowder and paper.
- Many European explorers traveled the Silk Road to gain a better understanding of the Far East. The Silk Road even became the inspiration for Marco Polo’s book on his travels.
- During the Mongol rule of China, the Silk Road became more convenient and safer due to the fact that the Mongols eradicated a lot of corruption.
I hope you learned some quick facts about the Silk Road and its lasting impact on world history. Until next time, 再见！
Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/silk-road
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/history/
This was really informative. While I knew a few of these facts already, I still learned a lot about the silk road (or should I say the gunpowder and paper road). I find it ironic that the silk road was named the way it was, especially considering how many other products were bought and sold on it. And beyond that, the sheer amount of culture and ideas spread via the silk road must be astonishing. I also find it ironic that a European named the silk road and not an Asian.