The Silk Road

The Silk Road

Anchor Question: Of the seven characteristics of a civilization, which aided in keeping the people of Europe, Africa, and Asia interconnected during the middle ages?

Multiple Choice

A traveler going from Dunhuang to Kashgar on the northern route of the Silk Road might see the physical feature called the _____________ to the left (south) and the physical feature called the ________________ to the right (north).

• Ethiopia; Persia

• Taklimakan Desert; Tian Shan Mountains

Multiple Choice

At the time of the Han dynasty, which people particularly threatened China from the north?

• the Huns

• the Romans

• the Persians

• the Japanese

Multiple Choice

Why did people in China want horses from Central Asia?

• The horses were scarce in China.

• The horses gave the Chinese a way to sell their silk.

• The horses were larger and more powerful than Chinese horses.

• The horses were considered prettier than the ones in China.

Multiple Choice

Why is Zhang Qian often called the Father of the Silk Road?

• This teacher encouraged the exchange of ideas.

• This explorer brought back word of western cultures.

• This emperor forced peasants to work on construction.

• This military leader made the highway safe for traders.

Multiple Choice

What made silk valuable in the West?

• The Syrians thought wool was too itchy.

• The Indians found cotton to be too expensive.

• The Romans wanted to buy it to make banners.

• The Chinese were the only ones who knew how to make it.

Multiple Choice

One of the most important Roman products that trade along the Silk Road brought to China was

• fur.

• paper.

• livestock.

• glassware.

Multiple Choice

What was the most important reason why traders formed long caravans to cross the desert?

• to learn the route

• to lift heavy goods

• to protect each other

• to prevent sandstorms

Multiple Choice

The Silk Road split into a northern route and a southern route. What was one advantage of taking the northern route?

• Oases were closer together.

• Road surfaces were smoother.

• Scenery was more attractive.

• Travelers were safer from bandits.

Multiple Choice

What belongs in the blank space on the diagram?

• wool carpets

• fine dishware

• ground coffee

• polished ivory

Multiple Choice

What is the likely reason why the Roman emperor told Romans not to wear silk?

• He believed that cotton was softer and more comfortable than silk.

• He worried that buying silk was taking too much of the empire's gold.

• He was afraid the silkworms would eat too many leaves off the trees.

• He wanted to save as much silk as possible to make army banners.

Multiple Choice

Which of these facts relating to the Silk Road is an example of cultural diffusion?

• China became wealthy trading silk.

• Travelers faced many dangers on their journey.

• Different animals carried goods on different parts of the route.

• Europeans learned some Chinese manufacturing methods.

Multiple Choice

How did the Silk Road most affect the spread of Buddhism?

• Travelers carried Buddhist beliefs from India to China.

• Chinese philosophers wrote Buddhist texts to sell in Antioch.

• The Buddha encouraged people to seek enlightenment in the desert.

• Dangers on the route supported the Buddhist idea that life is suffering.