The Silk Road “Information super highway of its age”

Key Points One of the oldest and most historically important trade routes Linked the Roman Empire with China. Trade carried on by foreign traders Not common for traders to traverse the entire length

Rise of the Silk Road 2nd century BCE From a desire for military and political purpose instead of for trade Han tried to create an alliance –Failed –Made people in each area desire goods produced in the other

Rise Cont’d Silk Road was first established, silk was not the chief commodity Influenced by the political developments –Stable state- smooth trade

The Height of the Silk Road Many reasons for prosperity –Tang- internal stability and economic development –Spreading of various religions in the world –Exchange of ideas

Items up for Trade Chinese predominantly imported gold, gems, ivory, glass, perfumes, dyes, and textiles Chinese exported furs, ceramics, spices, jade, silk, bronze and iron

Development of the Route Problems for Han rulers –Bandits –Policing became a problem Building forts and defensive walls helped, ie Great Wall Most significant commodity carried was religion –Buddhism (Tang), Christianity; and eventually Islam and Judaism

Decline of the Silk Road Fall of the Tang in the early 10th Affected by the Crusades Trade declined sharply till in the 13th century, until Mongols picked it back up Isolationist policies of Ming dynasty (after Mongol)

Decline Cont’d Discovery of a sea route from Europe to Asia in the late 15th century –Less cost, harassment and danger –Easier transportation of some items –Less prosperous