Silk Road Flashcards

Silk Road

An ancient network of trade routes connecting the East and West, facilitating economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions for over 1,500 years.

Establishment of the Silk Road

Most notably established during the Han Dynasty of China (206 BCE – 220 CE) particularly through the missions of Zhang Qian in the 2nd century BCE.

Ferdinand von Richthofen

German geographer who named the Silk Road in the 19th century, primarily after silk, the most important commodity exported from China.

Overland Routes

Paths stretching from China through Central Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, and to the Mediterranean Sea.

Maritime Silk Road

Complementary sea routes connecting ports in China, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and East Africa.

Goods from East (China)

Silk, tea, spices, porcelain, lacquerware, bronze objects, and paper.

Goods from West (Roman Empire, Middle East)

Gold, silver, precious stones, wool, horses, glass, and agricultural products like grapes and alfalfa.

Cultural Exchange via Silk Road

Involved the spread of religions like Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as technological and artistic innovations.

Technological Innovations

Papermaking, printing, gunpowder, and magnetic compasses moved westward from China via the Silk Road.

Decline of the Silk Road

Became less significant with the rise of maritime trade routes after the Age of Discovery in the 15th century and increased dangers of overland travel.