The Silk Road Reading

It was named after a famous explorer who traveled the routes.

Silk was one of the most desired goods traded on these routes.

The routes were covered with silk materials.

The routes were known for their smooth and easy travel.

North America and South America

Africa and Australia

Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Antarctica and the Arctic

Silk

Animals

Cotton

Steel

Paper

Porcelain

Cinnamon

Grapes

Exchange of new ideas

Exotic spices

Silk production

Porcelain trade

To generate wealth for other countries

To protect silkworms from extinction

To promote international trade

To ensure China was the only country who could make silk

It prohibited the exchange of religions.

It had no impact on religious exchange.

It facilitated the exchange of religions just like goods.

It focused exclusively on trading goods, not ideas.

Hinduism and Zoroastrianism

Confucianism and Daoism

Judaism and Sikhism

Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam

Sea routes were shorter and faster.

Camels became extinct.

Caravan routes were blocked by hostile nations.

Sea routes were safer.

Extreme temperatures and sandstorms in the Taklimakan Desert

Attacks by thieves and pirates who stole valuable goods

The spread of deadly diseases like the Black Death

Attacks from wild elephants crossing trade routes

Heavy taxes charged by Chinese emperors on all merchants