Karakoram highway is called silk route as well.
The Silk Route was a historic trade route that dated from the second century BC until the 14th century AD and stretched from China to the Mediterranean. The Silk Route was so named because of the heavy silk trading during that period. This valuable fabric originated in China, which initially had a monopoly on silk production until the secrets of its creation spread. The Silk Route traversed China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greece and Italy. In addition to silk, the route facilitated the trade of other fabrics, spices, grains, fruits and vegetables, animal hides, wood and metal work, precious stones and other items of value. The Silk Route was also known as the Silk Road.
BREAKING DOWN Silk Route
The original Silk Route was established during the Han Dynasty by Zhang Quian, a Chinese official and diplomat. During a diplomatic mission, he was captured and detained for 13 years on his first expedition before escaping and pursuing other routes from China to Central Asia. The Silk Route, more accurately described as a network of routes, was most popular during the Tang Dynasty, from 619 to 907 AD. Travelers could choose among a number of land and sea paths along the route to reach their destination. The routes evolved along with territorial boundaries and changes in national leadership.
The Silk Route served as a means for exchanging goods but also cultures. Both travelers of the road and the residents of the cities along it benefited from learning about each other’s language, religion and ideas. They also benefited from the increased material wealth that their trade generated. These interactions, in turn, benefited the development of science, technology, literature, the arts and other fields of study. Specifically, interactions along the Silk Route helped lead to the development of the printing press and irrigation systems.
The Silk Route was also traversed for religious pilgrimages and missions by Buddhist and European monks and was instrumental in spreading Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and other religions throughout the regions served by the routes.