The Silk Road served as a vital trade network in ancient times, connecting the East and West, primarily linking China with Europe and the Mediterranean. Established during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), it facilitated the exchange of not only commodities—such as silk, spices, and precious metals—but also cultural, technological, and religious ideas. The Silk Road helped to promote trade, economic integration, and cultural diffusion over several centuries. Its strategic routes expanded into various regions, creating a significant impact on the development of civilizations along its path, influencing art, science, and philosophy.