Silk road

Goods traded

cotton, silk, horses, fruits, porcelain, gunpowder, tea, spices, and paper

Beliefs

Islam, Buddhism,Christianity

Disease

Bubonic plague

Causes of growth: growth of imperial empire

expansion of Han into Central Asia; Parithian empire helped bridge the network to the Mediterranean; Roman empire further established the western involvement in the trading system

Causes of growth: Innovations in transportation

transport required sturdy machines that could last long distances; these were led by camels, donkeys, and mules

Causes of growth: increased demand for certain goods

demand for luxury goods such as exotic fabrics, horses, paper, spices, and furs led to part of the upcoming in the silk road; upper class demanded these things

Causes for growth: development of trading center

buildings designated for trade were made to cater to the rise in population of traders

Caravanserai

“pit stops” along the Silk Road that provided shelter, food, and water for travelers

Description of innovations

caravanserai, gunpowder, magnetic compass, paper money and bills in exchange simplified trade transactions, shipbuilding improved safety which helped maritime trade

Key players: Han dynasty

opened silk road to western China

Key players: mongol empire

improved trade along silk road after it came under their control; routes became much safer, and communication became better

Key players: crusades

supplied new luxury items for a long the silk road and increased European contact

Silk road location

Stretched from Italy-China. Specific location: Turpan, Mongolia and Tblisi, Iran