History of The Silk Road

History of The Silk Road

Learn about History of The Silk Road trade route from Ancient China to Europe. Goods such as silk, porcelain, and salt make China rich.

The Silk Road History

Who started the Silk Road and why?

From China to Eastern Europe, there was a trading corridor known as the Silk Road. It ended up in Eastern Europe close to modern-day Turkey and the Mediterranean Sea after traveling along the northern boundaries of China, India, and Persia.

Why was the Silk Road important?

Because it promoted trade and commerce among numerous different kingdoms and empires, the Silk Road was significant. This aided in the dissemination of concepts, culture, innovations, and distinctive goods throughout a large portion of the world’s population.

Why is it called the Silk Road?

Because silk cloth from China was one of the main goods sold along it, it was given the name Silk Road. Because of its smoothness and elegance, Chinese silk was highly regarded throughout Asia and Europe. Even the Romans referred to China as the “country of silk” since the Chinese have been selling silk for thousands of years.

What goods did the Chinese trade?

Besides silk, the Chinese also exported (sold) teas, salt, sugar, porcelain, and spices. Most of what was traded was expensive luxury goods. This was because it was a long trip and merchants didn’t have a lot of room for goods. They imported, or bought, goods like cotton, ivory, wool, gold, and silver.

How did they travel?

Merchants and tradesmen traveled in large caravans. They would have many guards with them. Traveling in a big group like a caravan helped in defending from bandits. Camels were popular animals for transport because much of the road was through dry and harsh land.

History

Although there was some trade between China and the rest of the world for some time, the silk trade was significantly expanded and promoted by the Han Dynasty which ruled from 206 BC to 220 AD.

Later, under the rule of the Yuan Dynasty set up by Kublai Khan of the Mongols, trade from China along the Silk Road would reach its peak. During this time the Mongols controlled a significant portion of the trade route, enabling Chinese merchants to travel safely. Also, merchants were granted more social status during the Mongol rule.

Fun facts about the Silk Road

• It was over 4,000 miles long.
• Marco Polo traveled to China along the Silk Road.
• Not all that was traded along the Silk Road was good. It is thought that the bubonic plague, or Black Death, traveled to Europe from the Silk Road.
• Very few merchants traveled along the entire route. Goods were traded at many cities and trade posts along the way.
• There wasn’t just one route, but many routes. Some were shorter, but more dangerous. Others took longer, but were safer.

Read also : Geography of Ancient China