The empire known for its rich tapestry of interconnected trade routes across the world is the Mongol Empire. Flourishing in the 13th and 14th centuries under leaders like Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, the Mongols established a vast territory that stretched from Eastern Europe to East Asia. They played a crucial role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road, connecting different civilizations. The Mongol Empire's relative stability and protection allowed merchants to travel safely, promoting the exchange of goods, ideas, and technology, which had a significant impact on the development of the regions involved.