The Silk Road played a crucial role in ancient trade by connecting East and West, facilitating not only the exchange of goods but also the flow of culture and ideas. Established during the Han Dynasty around the 2nd century BCE, the Silk Road facilitated the trade of silk, spices, and precious metals while also allowing for the spread of religions like Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as innovations in technology and art. This network of trade routes influenced economies and societies in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia for centuries, contributing to the interconnectedness of the ancient world.