The major trade route that connected the East and West in ancient times was the Silk Road. Established during the Han Dynasty, this network of trade routes connected China with various regions, including Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The Silk Road facilitated not only the exchange of silk and spices but also culture, technology, and ideas among diverse civilizations. Goods such as jade, precious metals, and ceramics traveled along these routes, transforming economies and societies. The relationship established through these trade exchanges was crucial in shaping the course of history in the ancient world.