The trade route that connected the Roman Empire with the East is known as the Silk Road. Established around the 2nd century BCE, this network of trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between the East and West. It connected China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, allowing for the trade of silk, spices, precious metals, and other commodities. The Silk Road also played a significant role in the spread of religions, technologies, and cultural practices, making it a vital conduit of economic and cultural interactions throughout its history, influencing multiple civilizations.