Silk Road Concepts

A merchant brings silk to a city where very few people have ever seen silk before. Many people want to buy it. What will MOST LIKELY happen to the price of silk in this market?

• The price will decrease because silk is new

• The price will increase because demand is high

• The price will stay the same because silk is rare

• The price will disappear because people will barter

Answer explanation

The price of silk will most likely increase because demand is high. Since many people want to buy silk, the limited supply will drive up its price, reflecting the high interest and scarcity in the market.

Match each good to the region it was MOST LIKELY produced in.

Groups:

(a) Greece/Rome

,

(b) India

,

(c) China

,

(d) Egypt/Mesopotamia

• Grain

• Olive oil

• Paper

• Grapes/Wine

• Spices

• Silk

• Cotton

• Figs

A merchant reaches a desert town where water is scarce but cloth is common. Which will be more expensive?

• Water

• Cloth

Answer explanation

The best way for the merchant to trade is to barter cloth for water. In a desert town where water is scarce, trading cloth for water directly addresses the critical need, making it a more valuable exchange than using money or trading for more cloth.

A caravan travels along the Silk Road carrying silk, spices, and paper. When they arrive in a city, silk is very rare, but spices are common. Many people want silk, but fewer want spices. Which statement BEST explains what will happen in the market?

• Silk will be cheaper than spices

• Spices will be traded more than silk

• Silk will have a higher price due to demand

• Both goods will have the same value

Answer explanation

Silk is rare and in high demand, leading to a higher price compared to spices, which are common and less desired. Therefore, silk will have a higher price due to demand.

Label the map

a

b

c

d

e

India

Egypt

China

Persia

Europe (Greece/Rome)

Which example BEST shows cultural diffusion along the Silk Road?

• Merchants refusing to trade with others

• New foods, religions, and ideas spreading between regions

• People only buying goods from their own region

• Caravans stopping trade

Answer explanation

Cultural diffusion along the Silk Road is best illustrated by the spread of new foods, religions, and ideas between regions, showcasing the exchange and influence of diverse cultures through trade.

A person who travels long distances to buy and sell goods is called a __________.

Answer explanation

A person who travels long distances to buy and sell goods is known as a merchant. Merchants engage in trade, often moving between locations to acquire and sell products.

Why did the Silk Road follow land routes through Central Asia instead of crossing oceans?

• Ships did not exist

• Central Asia had many markets and caravan stops

• Oceans were illegal to cross

• Silk could not survive near water

Answer explanation

The Silk Road followed land routes through Central Asia because it had many markets and caravan stops, facilitating trade. This made it more practical than ocean routes, which were less developed for such commerce.

Based on this image of the silk road, which city is MOST likely to have a highest demand/lowest supply of silk?

Answer explanation

Because Europe/constantinople were FURTHEST from China (where silk originated) silk was difficult to obtain (low supply). Because it was rare and seen as magical, it was in high demand.

Which of these is an example of an idea spread by the Silk Road?

• silkworms

• glassware

• Buddhism

• spices