Discuss The Changes And Continuities In The Silk Road

The Silk road was established around 130 B.C.E by the Han Dynasty in China to make trade routes to the ancient regions of the world. During the period of 200 B.C.E. - 1450 C.E the Silk road endured many changes but also had many continuities, even though The silk road still had trade routes to Asia and Europe, the materials that were being traded slowly changed over time. The political boundaries of the road and some ideas that were traded also changed. Despite the changes in material, the road was always a trade route to Europe and Asia. They would trade spices, teas, furs, and also beliefs along the road. After awhile Europe became “addicted” with their new found luxuries and economically dependant on their trade and so was Asia. This gradually shaped their culture, the road soon after started to gradually branch off into new regions such as Beijing, Byzantium, lower parts of India and more. Once these places were added even more materials were added to the trade list such as colorful silks, silver and gold objects, delicate glass, and even the legendary peaches of Samarkand.

The major religions that changed were Christianity and Buddhism , for example they began to use more silk wall coverings and become more materialistic. Christians also adopted some Greek culture because of so many ideas that were being spread along the silk road. They began to incorporate more art into their religion because of the spread of influence. It also socially impacted many societies in different ways. Before the silk road was created in 206 B.C.E women had no importance and were not depended on for anything important. Once the Silk Road was there they were depended on to make some of the luxury items that were being sold and therefore became an importance to