The empire credited with establishing trade routes that connected Europe to Asia during the Middle Ages was the Mongol Empire. The Mongols, under leaders like Genghis Khan, created a vast territorial expanse that facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and people across Eurasia. This network included the Silk Roads, which became vital for commerce, linking traders and cultures. The Mongol Empire's contributions to trade and communication significantly influenced the economy and cultural exchange between East and West, promoting interactions that would have lasting effects on global history.