Silk Road

Throughout history, the Silk Road has helped to connect the different civilizations of Eurasia. From 200BCE to 1450CE, the groups that controlled and surrounded the Silk Road constantly changed. Control would shift between different Chinese dynasties and the nomadic Mongols. However, the Silk Road remained both culturally and economically significant, allowing cross-continental trade and the spread of ideas and religions.

In 200 B.C long distance travel is made more practical and bearable when the stirrup appears in Indian and Central Asia. Travel abilities are enhanced and changed further when Celestial horses are introduced to China after the Chang Ch'ien expeditions. Also during this time period the Xiongnu, who would later come to be known as the Huns rise to power in Central Asia and begin to invade the Chinese western borders. When the Han reach the Tarim region the Silk Road is now under China's control and the route to the west is now open.

In 1 C.E silk is first seen in Rome, where it would become one of the most desirable goods available. At this time Roman Syria develops the technique of blowing glass. Both of these things help to create a greater variety in the items being traded on the Silk Roads. Following the death of Christ, Christianity now spreads along the Silk Roads along with all the goods.

Ideas and religions continue to spread across the Silk Roads in 300 C.E. when the secret of sericulture is let loose and Christianity becomes the official Roman religion. Christianity is not the only religion being spread though, Buddhism is also stretching across the borders at a rapid pace and has been doing so ever since around 100 C.E when it became the most popular religion in Central Asia, effectively replacing Zoroastrianism. After the end of the Han dynasty in 200 C.E control over the Silk Roads has been shifting, and now more then ever as Xiongnu invades China again and when the Roman Empire splits into two.

The Silk Road reaches its golden age in 600 C.E and while the Tang dynasty rules in china, it is the Muslims who control Mesopotamia and Iran who control the Silk and Spice routes. Because of the Silk Road and its success China has now become very open to foreign cultural influences. Buddhism continues to flourish and spread along the Silk Roads, but now another religion is added to the mix as the Islamic religion is founded.

In 900 C.E the Tang Dynasty ends after a long downhill spiral, although the Sung Dynasty will come and reunite China. This is a forever revolving continuity, when one dynasty falls another will always build back up and start again. New goods all continue to circulate the Silk Roads, when items such as playing cards and block printing are developed. As goods continue to circulate, religion slows its spread. This is because all foreign religions were banned in China in 800 C.E.

In 1100 C.E control over the Silk Road changes hands

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