Silk Roads

The development of Silk Roads began with large civilizations and specialized agriculture.  The Silk Road was the network of the trades made in Eurasia.  Part of Eurasia were China, India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, the Eastern Russia, and Central Asia.  These were the pastoral people, with animals. They exchanged and traded items such as furs, livestock, wool, and amber.  

Later in history, this area was stretched out even more with Persian Empire's invasions, Alexander the Great's empire growth, and Han dynasty taking authority westward.  The  Silk Road became very large and powerful with many merchants and travelers.

  • China offered its silk, bamboo, mirrors, gunpowder, paper, rhubarb, ginger, lacquerware, and chrysanthemums.
  • Siberia and Central Asia offered its furs, walrus tusks, amber, livestock, horses, falcons, hides, copper vessels, tents, saddles and slaves.
  • India offered its cotton textiles, herbal medicine, precious stones, spices, pepper, pearls, and ebony.
  • Middle East offered its dates, nuts, dried fruit, dyes, lapis lazuli, and swords.
  • Mediterranean offered its gold coins, glassware, glazes, grapevines, jewelry, artworks, perfume, wool and linen textiles, and olive oil.
According to Strayer, the Silk Road served merchants for 2,000 years.

It is amazing to see how many types of goods were exchanged.  Today, we can purchase any of these items near our homes in our local stores.  Though it is easier to obtain, some of it probably still arriving and being traded form its native lands mentioned above.

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