Back to Networks of Exchange (c. 1200 to c. 1450)

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2.1 The Silk Roads

Part of Networks of Exchange (c. 1200 to c. 1450) in AP® World History: Modern. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

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The Silk Roads were the backbone of Eurasian trade for centuries, stretching from China through Central Asia and into the Middle East and Europe. By 1200, they were more active than ever, linking the wealth and innovations of Song China with markets as far away as Venice. These roads were not a single path, but a web of interconnected land routes where goods, people, and ideas flowed. Luxury goods dominated the Silk Roads. Chinese silk, Persian textiles, Indian spices, and Central Asian horses were highly prized.

In this unit

6 lessons

  1. 2.1The Silk RoadsThis lesson
  2. 2.2The Mongol Empire and the Making of the Modern WorldPreview lesson
  3. 2.3Exchange in the Indian OceanPreview lesson
  4. 2.4Trans-Saharan Trade RoutesPreview lesson
  5. 2.5Cultural Consequences of ConnectivityPreview lesson
  6. 2.6Environmental Consequences of ConnectivityPreview lesson

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