The primary purpose of the Silk Road in ancient trade was to facilitate the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between the East and West. Established during the Han Dynasty around the 2nd century BCE, this extensive network of trade routes connected China with Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Key commodities traded included silk, spices, precious metals, and other luxury items. Additionally, the Silk Road promoted cultural exchange, spreading technologies, religions like Buddhism, and artistic influences across regions. It played a crucial role in the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations, shaping global commerce and cultural interaction.