🌏 Unit 2.1 — The Silk Roads (c. 1200–1450)

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Luxury goods

High-value items like silk, porcelain, spices, jewels, paper, and textiles traded on the Silk Roads.

Pax Mongolica

The period of peace under Mongol rule that allowed for safer and more stable trade across Eurasia.

Caravanserai

Roadside inns provided for rest and safety of travelers along trade routes.

Bills of exchange

Early checks used to facilitate long-distance payments.

Chang’an (Xi’an)

The eastern terminus of the Silk Road in China.

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Syncretism

The blending of local and imported traditions, such as Buddhist art with Greek styles.

Black Death (Bubonic Plague)

A devastating disease that spread along trade routes from Central Asia to Europe.

Mongol Empire

Unified large regions of Eurasia, reducing banditry and boosting trade.

Merchant and banking classes

Economic groups that emerged and diversified due to increased trade.

Economic effects of Silk Road trade

Increased production of luxury goods, growth of wealthy cities, and rise of banking.

Cultural effects of Silk Road trade

Diffusion of religions like Buddhism and Islam, and spread of technology such as paper and gunpowder.

Chinese dynasties' role in trade

Promoted trade with innovations like paper money and infrastructure improvements.

Innovations of Silk Roads

Caravanserai, bills of exchange, paper money, and banking houses facilitating trade.

Key cities of Silk Road

Kashgar, Samarkand, Chang’an, Baghdad, and Constantinople as major trade hubs.