Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It was active from about 130 BCE to the 1400s CE. The name comes from the trade of Chinese silk along these routes.

Caravans traveled between cities such as Xi’an in China and regions near Rome. Goods including silk, spices, and precious items were exchanged. Along with goods, ideas, religions, and technologies also moved between cultures.

The Silk Road included both land paths and sea routes. It is studied as an important link between early civilizations across continents.