While the basic purpose of the Silk Road remained mostly the same, its’ goods and destinations went through many changes. The road started as a small transport route for Eurasian merchants, but later turned into an important economical and cultural necessity. Once Asian products, like spices and fabrics, were used by Europeans, they became dependent on them. This also occurred in Asia, and it began to shape both cultures. Also, due to the large amount of political changes that occurred during this expanse of time, the Silk Road also traveled through the new countries that began when the Roman Empire collapsed.
But after the collapse of Rome, Persia, and Han or classical societies, trading fell. In addition to, once the Mongols took power in 1200 CE, trade along the Silk Road increased. This is because of the safety of the Silk Road because the Mongols protected it. Interactions on the Silk Road changed as related to amount of trading because different societies had different economies and different technologies. Classical societies traded in the Silk Road because it was the fastest and cheapest to do.
The Mongols are a group of nomadic people, in which throughout history have invaded, conquered and ruled many civilizations. Two of these civilizations are China and Russia, which were both affected economically and politically because of Mongol Rule. The Mongols demanded tribute from both empires and even decided to form their own dynasty in China, the Yuan dynasty. The Mongols also set up the Golden Horde, which demanded tribute from Russia. The effect of Mongol rule on Russia and China was similar in some respects and different in others economically.
The Silk Road and the Saharan Caravan trade routes had many differences and similarities in their development and the impact on the civilizations they made. They were comparable and diverse in many areas of society such as: the development of the empire and how it all began, architecture and writing that was developed, and the spread of religion throughout the region between 300 BCE – 600 CE. The Silk Road developed between 300 BCE and 600 CE. This is because of HOW the Silk Road began and started to develop quickly throughout the world. The major step towards development of the Silk Road was because of the Chinese Emperor Wu Di.
The political effects of Mongol rule in China and the Middle East were similar in their leadership. In China and in the Middle East Mongols served as governers and conquerors. The Mongols knew that just conquering the regions would only temporarily benefit them. So they became governors as well to be able keep control of such large regions. This was also a way for the Mongols to ensure their government was stable and trustable instead of having others govern the state.
In Pax Mongolia the origins of the peace were slightly different. Instead of policies enacted it was the conquering of lands under Genghis Khan. But more importantly it was the connection of the Silk Road from Asia to Europe. Gunpowder, porcelain, and paper making were goods that came to the West because of the Silk Road. Political stability of Mongol rule also helped the Silk Road flourish as well as Pax Mongolia to come about.
Long-distance trade played a major role in the cultural, religious, and artistic exchanges that took place between the major centers of civilization in Europe and Asia during antiquity. Some of these trade routes had been in use for centuries, but by the beginning of the first century A.D., merchants, diplomats, and travelers could (in theory) cross the ancient world from Britain and Spain in the west to China and Japan in the east. The trade routes served principally to transfer raw materials, foodstuffs, and luxury goods from areas with surpluses to others where they were in short supply. Some areas had a monopoly on certain materials or goods. China, for example, supplied West Asia and the Mediterranean world with silk, while spices were obtained principally from South Asia.
Numerous wars were fought over trade, because of the great profit it brought to the land. The Crusades were not just holy wars, but they also aimed to take one of the largest trading centers and routes in the world. Trading and the City: Merchant and traders were not part of the medieval feudal society, yet they had great influence in it. As trade developed, towns along the trade routes became richer and richer. Some developed into great cities, such as Paris, France.
Maythu Hnin World History II May 26th, 2009 What was the significance of the Silk Road? The Silk Road was an international and intercontinental network of trade routes that existed throughout the 2nd-15th century. Although initially started to serve for trade purposes, the Silk Road is more prominently remembered for its cultural significance and the cultural exchange that occurred across Eurasia. The Silk Road can be defined as the fundamental exchange of cultured that occurred through trade routes. One must note that although this cultural exchange was highly supported and encouraged, it was not always accepted willingly.
This opened up trade routes between Asia and Europe with most of the goods originating or passing through Southeast Asia. Along with the exchange routes came more people and ideas into Southeast Asia and ultimately increased the cultural and economical development. (Upshur, 2002) The second contributing factor was the trade policy of Southern Sung China. The Chinese government needed revenue to support their efforts to please the northern invaders. For this reason the Chinese government encouraged exporting of porcelain and other goods to Southeast Asia.