Silk Road Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What was the Silk Road?

A river connecting Asia and Europe

An ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean Sea (correct)

A highway for modern transportation

A military route used by emperors

What was the time period of the Silk Road?

130 BCE until 1453 CE

Where did the Silk Road stretch through?

Asia, connecting China, India, Mesopotamia, Arabia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome, and even Britain

Who pioneered the Silk Road?

Zhang Qian Signup and view all the answers

The process of creating silk was a well-known practice outside of China.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are caravans?

Groups of people traveling together for safety over long distances Signup and view all the answers

Camels could carry heavy items over mountains.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are oasis towns?

Places along the Silk Roads where caravans could get supplies, eat, and rest Signup and view all the answers

Some products that traveled to China included _____.

wool cloth and carpets, gold, silver, ivory, coral, precious stones, cucumbers, walnuts, sesame seeds, figs, alfalfa, pomegranates Signup and view all the answers

Ideas that traveled to China included _____.

winemaking from grapes, Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

Some products that traveled from China included _____.

silk, gun powder, paper, furs, ceramics, cinnamon bark, rhubarb Signup and view all the answers

Diseases that spread along the Silk Road included _____.

measles, small pox, and the Bubonic Plague Signup and view all the answers

What were some dangers on the Silk Road?

Deserts, treacherous mountain passes, sandstorms, lack of water, ice storms, heavy snow, avalanches, flooding, and thieves Signup and view all the answers

Who was Marco Polo?

An Italian explorer who traveled to Central Asia and China Signup and view all the answers

What were the two ends of the Silk Road?

Rome and China Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Silk Road begin?

Rome wanted to find the silk people Signup and view all the answers

What is a fable?

A story with a lesson, often regarding consequences of behavior Signup and view all the answers

Why did sea trade become more popular than land travel?

It was quicker, taking about 6 months versus a year. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Silk Road Overview

Ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean, approximately 6,440 km (4,000 mi) long.
Connected China with the Roman Empire, famously traveled by Marco Polo.

Silk Road Time Frame

Active from the Han Dynasty around 130 BCE until 1453 CE when the Ottoman Empire closed the routes.

Geographical Reach

Spanned multiple regions including China, India, Mesopotamia, Arabia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome, and extended to Britain.
Included both overland and maritime trade routes.

Historical Context

Zhang Qian contributed to the establishment of the Silk Road between 138-125 BCE during the Han Dynasty.
The route’s highest traffic occurred during the Yuan Dynasty from 1271 to 1368 CE, under Mongol rule.

Silk Production

Silk production was a closely guarded Chinese secret, with severe penalties (death) for attempting to export silkworms or eggs.

Caravans and Travel

Caravans provided safety in numbers for travelers over long distances.
Camels were commonly used, but their carrying capacity limited trade items to smaller goods due to geographical challenges.

Oasis Towns

Oasis towns served as essential stops for caravans, offering supplies, rest, and sustenance; many evolved into prosperous cities.

Trade Goods to China

Key imports included wool cloth, gold, silver, ivory, precious stones, and various agricultural products like cucumbers and pomegranates.

Ideas and Culture Exchange

Notable ideas that reached China included winemaking techniques and Buddhism.

Exports from China

Major exports were silk, gunpowder, paper, furs, ceramics, and spices like cinnamon and rhubarb.

Disease Transmission

Diseases such as measles, smallpox, and the bubonic plague spread along the Silk Road, affecting populations across regions.

Dangers of the Silk Road

Travelers faced numerous hazards including deserts, treacherous mountain passes, sandstorms, and threats from thieves awaiting vulnerable traders.

Marco Polo's Journey

An Italian explorer who documented his travel experiences in Central Asia and China from 1271 to 1295 CE.

Silk Road's Length and Ends

Spanning 4,000 miles, it originated in Rome and concluded in China.

Origin of the Silk Road

Initiated by Roman curiosity for silk and an eagerness to locate the "silk people"; many expeditions failed to return due to desert challenges.

Fables Along the Silk Road

Fables conveyed moral lessons, often highlighting consequences stemming from behaviors.

Shift to Sea Trade

Sea trade became more favorable due to faster travel times (approximately 6 months vs. a year over land).
Despite the risk of pirate attacks, many preferred the speed of maritime routes over traditional land passages.

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Description

Explore the historical Silk Road with these flashcards. Learn about its ancient trade routes, important time periods, and geographic span. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of this significant aspect of global history.