The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating extensive commerce and cultural exchange between ancient civilizations. Established during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), it allowed for the trade of silk, spices, precious metals, and various other goods. The Silk Road significantly contributed to the spread of ideas, technologies, and religions, such as Buddhism and Islam, across different regions. Its impact extended beyond economics, as it fostered cultural interactions that enriched societies along the route, leading to advancements in art, science, and diplomacy.