The Silk Road and its contribution to modern global culture

A historical network of caravan routes carved out across Europe, Africa and Asia, the Silk Road allowed for the some of the earliest transcontinental trading when it was established in the year 2BC.

The origins of the Silk Road can be seen in its ancient spiritual predecessor, the Jade Route, which was at the height of its prominence 7,000 years ago. Goods were transported along these well-worn pathways, which also allowed for cultures to mix and scholars to spread their wisdom.

The Silk Road: A vast network of commercial routes
The Silk Road allowed for easy travel from China and India all the way to Europe. It was established thanks to the Chinese Emperor Wu (141-87 BCE), of the Han dynasty, who was curious about distant civilised peoples. Although it no longer exists, the trading network represented a crucial pathway for global commerce for two millennia.

Precious merchandise from all four corners of the globe
Importantly, the Silk Road presented traders with an opportunity to circulate their precious and rare cargos from country to country. One of the key items they transported was silk, although demand was high for precious stones, wool, jade, porcelain, glass, linen and even coral.

Chinese inventions were also introduced to the Western world via the Silk Road. Some of the major innovations hailing from the East were paper currencies, a rudimentary printing press and the compass.

Helping cultures mix along the Silk Road
The Silk Road allowed many religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Islam to establish a foothold in China. Pilgrims and monks who wished to travel to the country of the Buddha (modern-day Nepal) also took to the Silk Road to achieve this goal.

The route represented a very powerful tool in the dissemination of religions and cultures across three continents, similar in spirit – though, perhaps not in scale – to the modern-day phenomenon of globalisation.

The new Silk Road
Considered by many to be long and arduous, the Silk Road was finally abandoned by traders during the 15th century CE. At this time, Europeans were taking to the seas to establish maritime empires that allowed for the transportation of larger quantities of spices and valuable goods. However, the idea of the Silk Road remains a powerful one to this day.

New networks of sea ports and railways are now being established to allow for easier and quicker transportation of goods between China and Europe. The trade arrangements may be new, but the idea is as old as the Silk Road itself.