What is The Silk Road?

So what is "The Silk Road" ?

The Silk Road is an ancient trade route that was used during the 6th-14th century by the Roman and Han Empires. When Silk was discovered and eventually traded through the western parts of Asia all the way to Rome, silk began to be more high-valued by many for its beauty, lightweight, and strength. The Romans would trade their gold in return for the Chinese silk. However, these were not the only goods that were traded. Romans also traded Ivory and food such as pomegranates and carrots while the Chinese would trade silk, spices, pottery, and different animals. 

The Roman Empire Map

The Han Empire Map

Silk

Gold

The expansion of trade for both empires also influenced the expansion and diffusion of ideas, objects, information, technology, culture, religion and agriculture. Artifacts discovered along the silk road show a resemblance to Indian, Greek, and Central Asian cultures.  

Indian Culture

Chang'an Capital

Camel Caravans 

The 4500 Kilometer (2800 mile) route expands from Chang'an, an ancient capital city of China once used as an eastern terminal for the Silk Road all the way to Rome in the west. The Silk Road split into two roads that held oases to go around the Taklamakan Desert. Because the Silk Road was long and dangerous to travel at times, no trader traveled the entire route. Instead, Mediterranean merchants went partway, then traded with Central Asian nomads, who went east until they met Chinese traders near India. Many of the travelers traveled on camel caravans. 

The Silk Road Map