The historical trade route that connected East and West Asia is known as the Silk Road. This extensive network of trade paths facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between civilizations, notably linking China with Europe and the Middle East. Established during the Han Dynasty in the 2nd century BCE, the Silk Road was instrumental in the trade of precious commodities such as silks, spices, and other luxury items. Moreover, it enabled the spread of technologies and religious beliefs like Buddhism, contributing to the cultural interconnectivity between diverse societies throughout history.