What ancient trade network, formally inaugurated during China's Han Dynasty around 130 BCE, linked China to the Mediterranean world for commerce in silk, spices, and cultural ideas?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The Silk Road
- Step 1: Following the diplomatic explorations of imperial envoy Zhang Qian, the Han Dynasty established secure overland caravan routes westward through Central Asia.
- Step 2: Connecting Chang'an (Xi'an) through Samarkand, Persia, and the Levant to Rome, the Silk Road supported trade in commodities, paper, silk, glass, and the spread of Buddhism and Islam.
Answer
The Silk Road
Why not the others: 'The Amber Road' The Amber Road was an ancient European trade route connecting the Baltic Sea coast to the Mediterranean for amber trade; 'The Incense Route' The Incense Route was a network of major trade routes transporting frankincense and myrrh from Southern Arabia to the Mediterranean; 'The Royal Road' The Royal Road was an ancient Persian highway rebuilt by Darius the Great connecting Susa to Sardis.
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