Silk Road Basics

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Questions and Answers

What was the main purpose of Zhang Qian's expedition?

To establish a permanent trade route to Europe

To promote Buddhism in Central Asia

To find new sources of silk and confirm the existence of celestial horses (correct)

To gather intelligence on enemy tribes in the region

Which geographical area was notably involved in the Silk Road trade due to its resources?

Yangtze River

Ferghana Valley (correct)

Mogao Caves

Tigris River

What significant event marked the beginning of formal trade along the Silk Road?

Emperor Wu's decision to trade silk for jade

Zhang Qian’s return from his expedition (correct)

The establishment of the Han Dynasty

The fall of the Qin Dynasty

Which of the following is NOT considered a traded good along the Silk Road?

Ivory Signup and view all the answers

What misconception existed regarding the trade between Rome and China?

That silk was the only item traded between the two civilizations Signup and view all the answers

How did the demand for silk influence its trade along the Silk Road?

It resulted in the expansion of trade routes as demand grew Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Silk Road' refer to in its historical context?

A series of interconnected trade routes across Eurasia Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization primarily initiated trade along the Silk Road after Zhang Qian's findings?

Han Dynasty Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason silk was not widely traded in China during the Han Dynasty?

Merchants were not esteemed in the social hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

How was silk integrated into the economy during the Han Dynasty?

Civil servants received salaries in silk. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about silk trade existed between Rome and China?

The Romans believed silk came from animal fur. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event allowed the West to discover the secret of silk production?

The transport of silkworms hidden in bamboo. Signup and view all the answers

What items were traded in Turpan besides grapes and raisins?

Cotton and alum. Signup and view all the answers

What societal perspective influenced the Han government's views on trade?

Indifference to economic profit for state revenues. Signup and view all the answers

What substances were chiefly obtained through the Silk Road from Baghdad?

Dates and laps lazuli. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Roman view of silk evolve over time?

It was first reserved for the elite and gradually became more common. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of traditionalists in Rome towards silk usage?

They blamed it for trade deficits and attempted to ban it. Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence suggests interaction between Rome and China?

Exchange of coins and mingqi sculptures. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Emperor Wu ordered an embassy to the Ferghana Valley?

To threaten the Xiongnu and explore military alliances Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty?

It became a cosmopolitan city with trade links to 300 nations. Signup and view all the answers

What architectural design feature was emphasized in the layout of Tang Dynasty cities?

Square urban areas dedicated to different functions Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the decline of Chang’an as a prominent city?

The looting by the Xiongnu around 311 CE Signup and view all the answers

What was the main outcome of the construction of the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang?

Creation of a site for Buddhist pilgrimage and art Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical feature influenced trade dynamics in the Tarim Basin?

The expanse of the Taklamakan Desert Signup and view all the answers

How did water accessibility affect trade centers like Turfan?

It enabled excessive irrigation leading to desertification. Signup and view all the answers

What significant scholarly contributions did Aurel Stein make during his expeditions?

He uncovered thousands of artefacts and ancient texts. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant cultural influence found in the Mogao Caves?

Combinations of Han, Indian, and Persian influences Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key factors in the expansion of Buddhism into China during the Han Dynasty?

Translating Buddhist scriptures into Chinese Signup and view all the answers

Which was a significant reason for the decline of Buddhism in the Tarim Basin during the mid-8th century?

Rise of Hinduism and Muslim expansion Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of geomancy on the Tang Dynasty city planning?

It influenced the choice of city locations and designs for prosperity. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy was used to control and regulate market activities in Tang Dynasty cities?

Officials were appointed to manage and levy taxes at market sites. Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the first Buddhist temple hosted by Luoyang?

70 CE Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Zhang Qian's Expedition and the Silk Road

Zhang Qian's expeditions aimed to forge alliances against the Xiongnu and explore potential trade routes west.
Central Asia, particularly the Ferghana Valley, was crucial due to its fertile land and resources like horses.
The formal start of Silk Road trade is linked to Zhang Qian's successful return and subsequent diplomatic missions.
The question is incomplete and requires a list of traded goods to identify the item that was NOT traded along the Silk Road.

Silk Trade Dynamics

A misconception was that Rome and China had direct, large-scale trade; exchanges occurred indirectly through intermediary traders.
High demand for silk in the West drove its trade, making it a highly valuable commodity.
'Silk Road' refers to a network of interconnected trade routes across Eurasia, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.
The Han Dynasty, following Zhang Qian’s discoveries, became the primary driver of trade along the Silk Road.
Silk was not widely traded within China during the early Han Dynasty due to its status as a luxury item under government control.

Roman-China Trade and Silk Production

During the Han Dynasty silk was integrated into the economy through government monopolies and controlled distribution.
Another misconception about silk trade was Rome and China having a direct, uninterrupted flow of extensive trade exchanges.
The secret of silk production reached the West through Byzantine Empire's acquisition of silkworm eggs during the 6th century.
Besides grapes and raisins, Turpan traded textiles, jade, and other goods along the Silk Road.

Han Dynasty's Perspective on Trade and Silk Road Goods

Confucian ideals shaped the Han government's cautious approach to trade, emphasizing stability over extensive interactions.
From Baghdad, the Silk Road primarily delivered spices, perfumes, and medicinal substances.
Roman views on silk evolved – initially a luxury item, it later became more widespread, but still expensive.
Roman traditionalists resisted the adoption of silk, viewing it as a symbol of decadence and extravagance.
Archaeological finds, such as Chinese artifacts in Roman sites, demonstrate interactions between Rome and China.
Emperor Wu wanted Ferghana horses, essential for the army and prestigious, which motivated the embassy.

Chang’an, the Tang Dynasty, and the Mogao Caves

Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty served as the significant eastern terminus of the Silk Road, a cosmopolitan hub.
Tang Dynasty cities featured grid layouts reflecting Chinese geomancy principles.
The An Lushan rebellion marked the beginning of Chang'an's decline.
The Mogao Caves near Dunhuang became a significant repository of Buddhist art and texts due to the long-term construction.

Tarim Basin and Silk Road Influences

The Tarim Basin's arid climate and scarce water resources shaped its trade routes and settlements.
Water scarcity meant trade centers like Turfan developed along oases.
Aurel Stein's expeditions unearthed crucial archaeological evidence illuminating the Silk Road's history and culture.
Buddhist art and scriptures represent a major cultural influence found in the Mogao Caves.

Buddhism's Influence and Decline, and Tang Dynasty City Planning

The Han Dynasty's openness to foreign ideas facilitated the expansion of Buddhism into China.
The decline of Buddhism in the Tarim Basin during the mid-8th century is attributed to the rise of Islam.
Geomancy influenced the Tang Dynasty city planning through the principles of orientation and symbolic placement.
Markets in Tang Dynasty cities used a regulated system, controlling prices and preventing monopolies.
The question requires the year; the text does not explicitly mention when that occurred.

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Description

Explore the fascinating history of the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that flourished from the 2nd century BCE to the mid-15th century. Learn about its impact on cultural exchanges and the variety of goods traded, ranging from silk to gunpowder. Discover key events and figures that shaped this vital connection between East and West.