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THE SILK ROAD, Second century B.C. to 14th century AD
This ancient trade route linked China, India, West Asia and even Rome. Not actually called the Silk Road in its time, the name was later given by a German geographer. Regardless, the name is suggestive of the variety and volume of goods that passed along the route. The Chinese were exporters of iron, steel, silk, tea, as well as peach and pear trees.
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As importers, the Chinese received grapes, pomegranate and walnut trees, sesame, coriander, spinach, the Fergana horse and alfalfa. The route stretched from Beijing south through Xian, west to Lanzhou, Wuwei, then north through Dunhuang, Turpan, and Urumqi. In the western territory the road diverged in several directions including north toward present day Moscow, west toward the Mediterranean and south to India. The road remained the most important connection between the Orient and the West up until the sea route to India was discovered. With the ease and popularity of maritime trade, the Silk Road quickly lost its importance. Traveled by Marco Polo and Nicolo, the Silk Road’s last great era was during Mongol rule when the entire route from China to the Mediterranean was part of a single empire. Today many tour companies offer special Silk Road tours that include visits to the main historical cities and points along the road.